Pandorea pandorana
wonga vine
Overview
Pandorea pandorana is an evergreen woody climber native to eastern Australia and parts of Malesia and the Pacific, twining and reaching 13-20 feet (4-6 m) or more into trees and over structures. The glossy dark green leaves are pinnate, with 3-9 narrow leaflets each 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long. In spring the vine produces hanging clusters of tubular flowers about 0.6-0.8 inch (15-20 mm) long, cream to pale yellow on the outside with a throat heavily streaked and spotted in maroon or purple-brown. Flowering is profuse and covers much of the plant. Woody seed capsules 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long follow and split to release papery winged seeds. Aboriginal peoples used the tough straight stems of some forms for spear shafts. The vine grows quickly and can become heavy and woody at the base, pulling on weak supports, so it suits a sturdy trellis or pergola rather than a light frame.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia from Tasmania and Victoria north to Queensland, with related forms in New Guinea and the Pacific, growing in rainforest, wet forest, and woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown on pergolas, fences, and arbours in mild gardens for spring screening and its tubular flowers. Suited to covering large supports and warm-climate courtyards. Its weight and vigour make it a poor choice for light frames or small spaces.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height13' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 13'
Bloom Information
Tubular cream flowers with maroon-marked throats appear in spring, mainly August to November, in dense hanging clusters. Flowering is heavy and lasts several weeks. Woody seed capsules develop afterward and ripen through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream with maroon throatFoliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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