Wishbone flower is a low-growing annual with lovely two-tone lilac-purple flowers. It prefers part sun to shade, especially in hot summer climates. Plant in rich moist soils and mulch to help keep the roots cool. They can also be brought inside for the winter. Use this plant in a container, hanging basket or the front of the shade border. Pinch them back to retain a bushier shape. There are many varieties and cultivars to extend the color choice.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Up to 3-inch long oval light green leaves
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Trumpet; Tubular
Flower detail
2-lipped tubular flower. Blooms are 2-toned in violets and blues with a yellow patch at the throat. 2 stamens join at the anthers in a wishbone shape.