Clitoria ternatea - Butterfly Pea Seeds

Butterfly Pea or Blue Pea, also known by its Latin name Clitoria ternatea, is a short-lived perennial of the pea and bean family and is cultivated in Europe as an annual. It is a fast-growing, vigorous (up to 3 m/9.8 ft high) climbing vine native to tropical Asia. From July-September, it produces many blue flowers with white throats tinged with yellow that measure up to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter.

The plant gets its Latin name from the similarity of the shape of its flowers to the female sex organ. For this reason, the beans that follow the flowers are consumed in Asia for their so-called aphrodisiac properties.

In Europe, this plant is grown for its decorative aspects. It is ideal for covering a trellis in a sheltered corner of the garden or as a perennial in a veranda.

Ecological value: it attracts bees and butterflies to the garden.

Plant Butterfly Peas or Blue Peas in a warm, sheltered corner of the garden. They will need rich, well-drained soil. Despite their exotic origin, they are easy plants to grow.