Queens Wreath (Petrea volubilis)

The tropical vine or climber Petrea volubilis L. 1753, commonly called Queens Wreath, Sandpaper Vine, Purple Wreath, Fleur de Dieu or Bluebird Vine, is endemic to Central- and South America and the Caribbean Islands. As a tropical plant Petrea volubilis requires a warm – hot climate and a lot of sun. If the plant is kept in a shadowy place, it will not bloom. The Queens Wreath vine is a vigorous and fast growing, tropical woody vine and reaches lengths up to 12 meters and more. The coarse leaves, which are quite insect resistant, brought the tropical climber the name Sandpaper Vine.

Petrea volubilis is an easy to care plant and while established the plant survive longer periods without watering. The Queens Wreath Vine should be pruned regularily, if You don`t want the plant get out of control. According to the environment Petrea volubilis is in bloom from spring until autumn. The genus Petrea has been established by the father of modern taxonomy Carl Linnaeus (1707 – 1778) and has been named in honour to Robert James Petre (1713 – 1742), 8th Baron Petre, a renowned British horticulturist.