Wonga Wonga Vine, or ‘Bower of Beauty’.
Seen as one of the most attractive of all of the Australian climbing plants, Pandorea are commonly called, Wonga Wonga Vine, or ‘Bower of Beauty’.
The botanical name is Pandorea jasminoides, and this is a tough native evergreen climbing vine from sub tropical areas of Australia, found in coastal rainforest areas from Northern New South Wales through Southern Queensland.
They do grow well in cooler climates and some excellent specimens can be found in Victoria.
Attractive glossy green foliage and flowering from early summer through to autumn from pure white to pink with a deeper throat.
Pictured right is Pandorea jasminoides ‘Lady Di’ this is the white flowering cultivar and it will grow as far south as Melbourne in a protected position. (which is where we photographed this one)
How To Grow Pandorea jasminoides – Basic Care
Full sun to semi shade is best for Pandorea jasminoides where it will develop into a dense screen and is ideal as an evergreen climbing screen. Pandorea or ‘Bower of Beauty’ also comes in a variegated form.
This is a fairly vigorous vine, especially in warm climates and can become a little rampant.
It thrives in a humus rich moist but well drained soil and will grow well in part shade. In cooler climates full sun and a protected position is required.
Pandorea jasminoides does require protection from frosts and will need additional water during dry periods for the first 2 years, reasonably drought tolerant once established although a cool moist root run is beneficial. Flowering throughout the year it makes a wonderful cover for a fence or if allowed to scramble over a pergola. It can also be used as ground cover plant.
How To Prune Pandorea jasminoides
Best pruned back after flowering to maintain shape and keep in control. Once established you can prune back
reasonably hard with very few problems.
Pandorea jasminoides Varieties
The species has flowers that are trumpet shaped and pink with a deeper pink to maroon throat.
- Pandorea jasminoides alba is white flowering with the same deeper colored throat.
- The pure white flowering cultivar ‘Lady Di’ has clean white flowers very attractive.
- Other Pandorea Varieties
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Pandorea jasminoides
- Common Name – Pandorea, Wonga Wonga Vine, Bower Vine.
- Flower Colour – Pink to white with maroon and yellow throated cultivars available,
- Flowering Time – Spring through summer.
- Foliage – Deep glossy green.
- Growth rate – Fast.
- Growth Habit – Climbing or scrambling.
- Height – To 5 metres
- Position – Full sun
- Soil – Humus rich moist
- Frost tolerance – Medium to low.
- Drought tolerance – No.
- Pruning Time – After flowering