Torenia fournieri

Wishbone flower, bluewings, clown flower

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

At last I find a meaning of soul's birth Into this universe terrible and sweet, I who have felt the hungry heart of earth Aspiring beyond heaven to Krishna's feet.

I have seen the beauty of immortal eyes, And heard the passion of the Lover's flute, And known a deathless ecstasy's surprise And sorrow in my heart for ever mute.

Nearer and nearer now the music draws, Life shudders with a strange felicity; All Nature is a wide enamoured pause Hoping her lord to touch, to clasp, to be.

For this one moment lived the ages past; The world now throbs fulfilled in me at last.

Sri Aurobindo, Collected Poems: Krishna

All music is only the sound of His laughter, All beauty the smile of His passionate bliss; Our lives are His heart-beats, our rapture the bridal Of Radha and Krishna, our love is their kiss.

Sri Aurobindo, Collected Poems: Who

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Krishna's Play

The Mother’s Comment

A power of progress veiling itself behind appearances.

Colour

White, mauve, or lavender, and light green

Message of the Flower

Krishna's Play in Matter

The Mother’s Comment

Beauty, love, and joy are His companions. A play that widens and makes us progress.

Colour

Pale lavender, deep purple, yellow, light green

Message of the Flower

Krishna's Integral Play

The Mother’s Comment

All the parts of the being respond to His influence.

Colour

White, pale pink, yellow, light green

Family

Scrophulariacea

Cultivars

Kauai' series, known for a range of colors

Person who named the flower

E. Fournier

Flower Size

About 1 inch across

Flower Texture

Velvety

Number of Petals

2-3 rayed petals, two-lipped

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Not specified

Leaf Texture

Sticky, hairy

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite or subopposite

Leaf Color

Light to deep green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Low-growing annual plant

Life Cycle

Annual

Blooming Period

Late spring through fall

Climate

Warm, humid climates; USDA zones 6-11

Water Requirements

Consistently moist soils

Soil Type

Rich, loamy, well-draining

Temperature Ranges

Best in partial shade in warm climates

Sun or Shade

Part sun to full shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to root rot, powdery mildew; pests include aphids, whiteflies

Pollinators

Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Habitat

Native to Asia

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar and pollen for various pollinators

Quotations

Not specified

Ornamental

Popular in containers, hanging baskets, ground cover

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered