Pandorea spp.
bower vine
Australia, New Guinea, and Pacific islands
Overview
Pandorea is a small genus of evergreen woody climbers in the family Bignoniaceae, native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. The twining stems reach 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 m), climbing through shrubs and over supports without tendrils or aerial roots. The glossy compound leaves are pinnately divided into several lance-shaped leaflets 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 8 cm) long. Funnel- to trumpet-shaped flowers, 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) long, are carried in loose clusters; P. jasminoides bears white to pink blooms with a deep rose throat, while P. pandorana produces smaller cream flowers streaked maroon inside. Flowering runs through spring and summer, followed by flattened woody capsules holding many winged seeds. The genus grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil in frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. Plants climb quickly once established and need sturdy support, and they can outgrow small spaces or smother nearby shrubs if left untrained. Hard frost kills or cuts back top growth. The combination of evergreen foliage and a long flowering season accounts for the wide garden use of the two main species in warm regions.
Native Range
Pandorea is native to eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and some Pacific islands, where the climbers grow in rainforest margins, open forest, and scrub. They scramble over shrubs and trees on moist, well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Pandorea is grown on fences, pergolas, trellises, and arches and to screen walls in warm-climate gardens. The long flowering season and evergreen cover make it a screening and overhead vine. P. pandorana is also grown over large structures where its vigorous habit can extend.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from spring through summer, roughly September to February in the southern hemisphere native range, and shifts to late spring and summer in northern hemisphere gardens. The trumpet-shaped flowers open in clusters and draw bees and birds. Woody seed capsules follow and ripen over several months.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, or cream with contrasting throatFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Pandorea grows in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil in frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. The vines climb rapidly once established and need a fence, trellis, or pergola to carry the weight of the stems. Even moisture through the growing season supports steady flowering, while extended drought reduces bloom. Hard frost damages or kills top growth, so the genus suits warm-temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean settings. Light feeding in spring and steady moisture keep growth and flowering going through the warm months.Pruning
Pruning after the main flush of flowering controls size, removes tangled or dead stems, and shapes the framework on its support. The vines flower on new growth, so a yearly trim renews flowering wood. Plants tolerate hard cutting back to reduce overgrown top growth.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons