Sandpaper Vine
Petra. volubilis (syn. Petrea kohautiana) also known as the ‘Purple Passion Plant’ is a tropical climbing plant that will grow well in subtropical areas as well. It can even be successful in a frost free position in cooler climates. Also known as the ‘Purple wreath’, and with its masses of hanging indigo blue flowers it makes an excellent to allow to scramble through taller trees or as a specimen on a wall or pergola.
The flowers seem long lasting, however it is actually the colorful sepals that stay well after the flowers themselves that provide the long lasting effect. The green foliage it rough to touch, hence the second name of ‘Sandpaper Vine’. Petrea volubilis v. Albiflora is the white flowering species.
Growing Conditions and Care
Ideal growing conditions are a cool moist root run and a position where it can happily climb into full sun. Although Petrea species do require constant moisture they do not liked to be waterlogged, so allow soil to begin to dry out a little between watering.
In cooler areas it will drop foliage as the winter begins, however unless it it is just to cold, it will bounce back to life in spring.
In ideal conditions this wonderful colourful flowering plant will reach around 10m. In cooler areas in Australia try a North facing wall of a courtyard.
Prune in late autumn to keep in shape. Fertilize with a liquid seaweed fertiliser in spring with an added dose of slow release fertiliser.
Remember that Petrea kohautiana syn. P. volubilis requires a cool root run.
You may also be interested in these climbing plants
- clematis
- mandevilla
- clematis
- climbing roses
- wisteria
- bouganvillia
- lapageria rosea
- hardenbergia (happy wanderer)
- pandorea (bower of beauty)
- lonicera (honeysuckle)
Petra volubilis are available for sale from the following nurseries
Whelan Road Imbil, Queensland Australia, 4570