Butterfly peas are short lived tropical perennials with striking blue flowers. They have a twining habit and prefer rich, moist, well-drained soils. They make attractive container plants in Virginia.
Latin Name
Clitoria ternatea
Family
Fabaceae
Also Known As
Asian Pigeonwings Blue Pea
Type of Plant
Tropical
Vines
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 15'
Max Spread: 6'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Colors
Native Range
Tropical Asia
History
George Washington received butterfly pea seeds from his grandson-in-law Thomas Law in 1799.
Other Details
Pollinator
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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