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Clitoria mariana (Atlantic Pigeon Wings)

Atlantic Pigeon Wings, Atlantic Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea, Martiusia mariana

Clitoria mariana, Atlantic Pigeon Wings, Atlantic Pigeonwings, Butterfly Pea, Martiusia mariana, Purple Flowers, Perennial flowers

Clitoria mariana (Atlantic Pigeon Wings) is a small perennial vine boasting showy lavender-pink pea-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), with a white central spot. Blooming in early to late summer, the attractive blossoms are borne singly or in clusters of 3 in the leaf axils. Rarely twining near the tips, the erect to ascending or trailing stems are clad with alternately arranged leaves comprised of 3 lance-shaped leaflets. The blossoms give way to flattened legumes with two valves that twist upon dehiscence. Atlantic Pigeon Wings is a short twining vine that can be allowed to sprawl over the ground as an effective ground cover. It can also twine around vertical structures. Its delicate beauty will also add a subtle charm into the woodland garden. Easy to grow, it occurs naturally in sandhills, scrub oak woods, dry pine or pine/hardwood forests, and on roadside banks. Clitoria mariana closely resembles Centrosema virginianum (Spurred Butterfly Pea), which has upside-down flowers, the banner pointing downward, while that of Clitoria stands erect. 

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in sandy, dry to moist, well-drained soils.
  • No serious disease or pest issues.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to the eastern, southern, and central United States west to New Mexico and Arizona. It is also found in Asia.

 

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Climbers, Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Common names Butterfly Pea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Midwest, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Plant Type Climbers, Perennials
Plant Family Leguminosae
Common names Butterfly Pea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Midwest, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma
Tolerance Dry Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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