Clitoria ternatea

Butterfly pea is a deciduous, perennial, trailing vine in the bean family (Fabaceae) grown for its sky-blue flowers. It is believed to be native to a wide area of tropical Africa and Asia, but it is so widely naturalized throughout the Tropics that its exact native home is difficult to determine. The species epithet is Latin for “of Ternate,” which may be a misnomer, as the species is probably not native to the island of Ternate.

Butterfly pea does well in well-drained, dry to slightly moist, fertile soil, but will tolerate loam and heavy clay as well as very acid and very alkaline soils. It has a reputation for drought tolerance but will do best with consistent watering and full sun. Although it is perennial in the tropics, butterfly pea is usually grown as an annual in the temperate zone.

Butterfly pea can grow rapidly to its mature height of 15 feet. This plant features pea-like, blue flowers up to 2 inches in diameter with yellow centers that bloom singly or in pairs from summer to fall. Some cultivars have white or double flowers. An edible blue dye is extracted from the flowers and is popular in cocktails and as a natural food coloring. It is pH sensitive and turns pink in acidic solutions. 

The plant climbs weakly and can be useful as a ground cover. It can also be made to grow onto an arbor or trellis. It is appropriate for an Asian, cottage, children’s or edible garden.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to spider mites and white flies, anthracnose and bacterial soft rot.