Petrea arborea

A tropical shrub reaching 10 feet or more, featuring striking upright, arching racemes of lavender-blue flowers that hang gracefully. Native to Mexico and Central America, it thrives in warm climates and prefers plenty of sun and generally warm conditions. Ideal near a hot wall where reflected heat boosts flowering. Not fussy about soil, it grows reliably and is relatively slow compared with its more vigorous vining relative, Petrea volubilis, commonly called Queen’s Wreath.