Queen's Wreath

petrea volubilis

Also known as: ["Purple Wreath","Sandpaper Vine"]

Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Petrea Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, woody vine with pendulous clusters of lavender-blue flowers that resemble miniature orchids, followed by papery, sandpaper-like seed pods.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Petrea
Botanical Name: Petrea volubilis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden in warm climates, or large indoor container with bright light
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on outdoor/indoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix with good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; sensitive to frost.

Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; stop in fall/winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings with nodes; softwood cuttings root most reliably.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot within 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Thinning cuts, heading back to encourage branching, selective removal of old wood.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, encourage bushiness, remove dead/damaged growth, promote flowering.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape plant, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and flowering.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensure even saturation, allow excess to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme temperatures.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf damage, may lead to death in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, cover in frost events, avoid overwatering.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water deeply, avoid midday watering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); dilute to half strength; avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Petrea volubilis can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Petrea volubilis is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced vigor.

Leaf spots on Petrea volubilis may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage to the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Petrea volubilis if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the seeds of Petrea volubilis. The toxicity is not severe, but ingestion should be avoided to prevent discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep seeds out of reach of cats. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The seeds of Petrea volubilis can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The toxic compounds are not highly potent, but ingestion may lead to discomfort and mild symptoms.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the seeds. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Petrea volubilis, commonly known as Queen's Wreath, is generally considered non-toxic, but its seeds contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is limited to mild irritation of the digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingesting the seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prune Petrea volubilis?

A: Prune lightly after flowering to control size and shape, and remove any dead or overgrown stems.

Q: Does Petrea volubilis require support?

A: Yes, it is a vine and needs a trellis, fence, or other support structure to climb.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Petrea volubilis?

A: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering, though it can tolerate some drought once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Verbenaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

unknown
View
Vanuatu Tea Tree
View
Hairy Lantana
View
Lippia
View