The Butterfly Pea plant, sometimes misspelled as “clitro,” is botanically known as Clitoria, a genus named for its flower’s unique shape. This plant is popular in gardens for its vibrant blooms, twining growth, and versatile applications.
What is Butterfly Pea?
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is also known as Asian Pigeonwings, Blue Pea, and Bluebell Vine. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans.
Clitoria ternatea is a perennial climbing vine reaching 1 to 15 feet. Its vibrant, deep blue flowers, often with a pale yellow or white center, are a distinctive feature; white and pink varieties also exist. These two-inch, pea-like flowers bloom from early summer until fall in warmer months, or year-round in tropical climates. Native to equatorial Asia (South and Southeast Asia), it has naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions.
Caring for Butterfly Pea
Butterfly Pea thrives in locations receiving ample sunlight, ideally six to ten hours of direct sun daily, though it tolerates partial shade. Morning sun is particularly beneficial, providing gentle light without intense afternoon heat.
This plant prefers well-draining soil, ranging from slightly sandy to loamy, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil fertility and drainage for a healthy medium. While adaptable to various soil types, avoid heavy clay to prevent waterlogging.
Consistent watering benefits young plants, needing about one inch of water weekly. Once established, Butterfly Pea tolerates some drought but thrives with regular moisture; allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Watering at the base in the morning helps prevent fungal issues and dries foliage before nightfall.
As a tropical plant, Butterfly Pea prefers warm temperatures, ideally 70-100°F (21-38°C), with high humidity (60-80%). It is sensitive to temperatures below 60°F (16°C) and does not tolerate frost, often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Regular misting or using a humidifier helps maintain humidity, especially for indoor plants.
While Butterfly Pea can fix its own nitrogen, a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) supports robust growth and flowering. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during the active growing season. After pruning, a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer encourages more blooms.
Pruning encourages bushier growth and enhances flowering. Regularly removing spent flowers, known as deadheading, redirects energy from seed production to new blooms, extending the flowering period. Trimming back leggy or overgrown stems also maintains shape and promotes better air circulation, reducing disease risk.
Butterfly Pea is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, spider mites and aphids can be managed with water or horticultural oil. Overwatering can lead to bacterial soft rot, mold, or mildew; proper drainage and watering are important.
Propagating Butterfly Pea
From Seeds
Propagation primarily uses seeds, which have a hard outer coat. To improve germination, scarification (gently nicking the seed coat) is recommended. Afterward, soak seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours to soften the coat and promote quicker germination.
Seeds can be sown about one inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Maintain consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging, and provide warmth for germination (6 days to three weeks). Once seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them to larger pots or outdoors after the last frost.
From Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another propagation method, best taken from mature, semi-hardwood vine portions during the active growing season. Cuttings typically root within two to eight weeks in a moist, warm, humid environment.
Diverse Uses of Butterfly Pea
Beyond ornamental appeal, Butterfly Pea offers practical applications. Its vibrant blue flowers are widely used as a natural food coloring, especially in Asian cuisine. Steeped petals create a striking blue herbal tea that changes color to purple or pink with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. This color-changing property also makes it popular in cocktails and desserts.
Historically, Butterfly Pea has been incorporated into traditional medicinal practices, reflecting its cultural significance. These uses involve various parts of the plant, including roots and flowers. In gardens, its twining growth and abundant blooms suit trellises, fences, or ground cover, enhancing vertical spaces with lush foliage and colorful flowers. As a legume, Clitoria ternatea contributes to soil health by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil.