Petrea volubilis
Common: Queen's wreath, Purple wreath, Sandpaper vine
Family: Polygonaceae
Origin: Native to Mexico, Central America
Sun: Full sun
Water: Tolerates moderate watering
Temperature: Thrives in high summer heat and sun
This plant remains evergreen where there are warm winters, and is fast growing, climbing by tendrils to a height of 40 feet.
Foliage is a rich dark green, producing 3 to 5 inch long heart-shaped or arrow shaped leaves. It is open and airy. In cold winters, the leaves will drop off and most of the top will die back. It recovers quickly upon the return of warmer weather.
\This vine is an excellent choice for the low deserts of Arizona and California. It is wonderful for shading patios or terraces, or when used along eaves and fences. Mulch and use fertilizer for acid plants if your soil is alkaline, and check for scales and mealy bugs.
The one foot long raceme of flowers, resembling that of wisteria, blue in color, only last a few days, but the larger more showy bluish purple calyces remain, fading first to blue and then a pale grey color.