The bower flower, Pandorea jasminoides, is a graceful climbing plant. This evergreen vine is prized for its attractive foliage and abundant, showy flowers. It quickly covers structures with lush greenery and vibrant blooms.
Understanding Bower Flower
Native to eastern Australia, Pandorea jasminoides is a woody climber in the Bignoniaceae family. It features slender, twining stems and glossy, dark green leaves, typically composed of three to nine oval or lance-shaped leaflets. Leaves range from 12 to 20 cm long, forming a dense backdrop for its floral display.
Its trumpet-shaped flowers emerge in clusters from late spring through summer, often continuing into autumn in warmer climates. These fragrant flowers are typically white or pale pink, often showcasing a contrasting deep pink, red, or fuchsia throat. Individual flowers measure up to 6 cm long. Some popular varieties include:
Alba (pure white flowers)
Lady Di (white flowers with a yellow to orange throat)
Rosea or Pink Bower Vine (light pink blooms with deeper rose-pink throats)
Southern Belle (deep pink flowers with deep red throats)
Planting and Care
Selecting the right site is important for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, with ample sunlight encouraging more prolific blooming. It adapts to various moist, well-draining soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. While tolerant of various pH levels, rich, fertile soil is generally preferred.
When planting, ensure proper spacing and provide a support structure, as it is a climbing vine. It grows rapidly, reaching 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) with support. It twines its stems around trellises, arbors, or fences, requiring initial guidance. Planting is successful year-round in warmer zones; fall is excellent for root establishment. Young plants are sensitive to frost, though established plants tolerate temperatures down to about -5°C (23°F) in sheltered locations.
Consistent watering is beneficial, especially during establishment and dry periods. While it appreciates regular moisture, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent over-saturation. Once established, it shows some drought tolerance. Fertilize monthly during growing seasons with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth and flowering, reducing to bi-annually during dormancy. Apply slow-release or organic-based fertilizers, ensuring even distribution and thorough watering after application.
Pruning shapes the plant, encourages new blooms, and manages its growth. Annual pruning in early spring promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering. This involves removing dead stems and trimming long vines with clean cuts angled away from buds to enhance airflow and reduce pest risks. Hard pruning after flowering can restrain its size. Bower flower is robust, with no major pest or disease concerns. However, its strong, penetrating root system requires avoiding planting near underground pipelines.
Landscaping Applications
Its vigorous, twining growth and attractive features make it versatile for various landscaping purposes. It excels as a climbing vine, ideal for covering structures like arbors, pergolas, and trellises, transforming them into lush, flowering focal points. Its ability to rapidly cover significant areas makes it effective for screening fences or walls, providing privacy and aesthetic appeal.
Beyond vertical applications, Pandorea jasminoides can also be used as a groundcover if left unsupported, creating a dense, evergreen carpet. Its adaptable growth habit makes it suitable for container planting, especially in courtyards or on balconies, where vines can drape attractively. In containers, regular pruning encourages more flower production and maintains a manageable size. Its fragrant blooms make it a good choice for areas near pathways or seating, where the scent can be enjoyed.