Jacquemontia pentanthos (Skyblue Clustervine)

Jacquemontia pentanthos (Skyblue Clustervine) is a sprawling evergreen vine with twining stems clothed with ovate to lanceolate, deeply veined leaves, 1-3 in. long (2-7 cm). Blooming from early fall through late spring, a profusion of funnel-shaped, sky blue to pinkish-lavender flowers, with white throats, are borne from the leaf axils singly or in clusters. Like the other members of the morning glory family, the blossoms open in the morning and close after dark. They are attractive to a variety of pollinators including the Nessus sphinx (Amphion floridensis), Tantalus sphinx (Aellopus tantalus) and Tersa sphinx (Xylophanes tersa) moths. Planted for its showy flowers, Skyblue Clustervine is native to South Florida, West Indies, Mexico, Central America and South America. In South Florida, it occurs naturally in coastal hammocks and along wetlands. Skyblue Clustervine can grow up a trellis or other structure or as a groundcover. This species is listed as Endangered by the State of Florida.

• Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm).
• Thrives in full sun or light shade in moist, well-drained sand or lime rock. Tolerant of brief inundation, it also withstands significant and ongoing amounts of salty wind and salt spray without injury.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seeds or cuttings. Prune in late spring or early summer, after flowering has ceased. Do not prune heavily in late summer as it may adversely affect fall/winter blooms.
• Native to South Florida, West Indies, Mexico, Central America and South America.
• Rare flowers: beauty beyond ordinary gardens