Queen’s wreath, Petrea volubilis, has beautiful purple flowers drooping a grape-like cluster – similar to wisteria. Other common names: Petrea, purple wreath, or sandpaper vine. The leaves are stiff and feel like sandpaper. Florida gardeners in zones 9B and south live in the perfect climate for growing this vine putting this plant in the tropical category. Unless planting along the coastline here in Northeast Florida, cold temperatures could be a problem for this plant. Remember those living west of I-95 are in zone 8B.

The plant is originally found in areas of Mexico down to portions of South America. It blooms from spring through early summer. Queen’s wreath prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. As with most other sun loving plants – it blooms better with adequate sun. Soil pH preference is between 6 to 7. It is highly drought tolerant once it is established and it often takes 2 years or more before it produces flowers – so be patient. Once established, it requires little if any care except to prune away dead branches. It can grow up to 40 feet so give it plenty of room and something to climb on.

Queen’s wreath provides nectar butterflies and bees. It will drop it’s leaves during storms, winds and seasonal temperature changes – no worries, they will come back. Remember when planting from a container, do not amend the hole. You can amend the whole bed instead. Water is the most important thing to do the first months after planting. No fertilizer for six weeks after planting. Queen’s wreath can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. For more complete information check out the UF/IFAS gardening solutions link: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/queens-wreath.html

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