- Author: Sterling Smith
Pandorea jasminoides, or Bower Vine, originated in Australia; it's a great decorative vine with beautiful glossy green foliage. Flowers are trumpet shaped with deep pink throats and bloom on the previous year's growth. They are normally found in a more moderate coastal climates; Sunset zones 16-24, H1 and H2 which would include the Bay area and greater Los Angeles area.
They perform best in soil with rich organic content and with regular water. A leeward site is preferred out of the wind. After blooming season concludes; it's best to shape and thin their vines to control size. Bower vines will not tolerate prolonged freezing, so best to cover it when cold weather is forecast.
Our specimen is located in Sunset zone 9; our soil and water are pretty good, it's sited on the west side of our yard against the fence. Too the west is a 2-story home that helps to provide a robust wind-tunnel from time to time. Despite the site challenges, our specimen, with it's variegated leaves, provides an excellent visual interest in and out of bloom. Their growth is moderate, only occasionally needing to be guided onto their support.