PANDOREA jasminoides Rosea (BIGNONIA j. Rosea)

Interesting variety of Pandorea jasminoides, a perennial and evergreen climber, with rapid growth, leafy and dense appearance and of Australian origin: in a short time, it can reach well beyond 5 m and cover surfaces of several square meters. Well lignified and branched from the base, it presents stems with first bright green and then greyish bark: these have a fickle, spiral pattern and branch out further at several levels while probing the air in every direction in search of various types of supports on which rise and anchor. The leaves, broad and not paripinnate, slightly leathery, glabrous and shiny, are arranged in the opposite way and are bright green irregularly mottled with white. Between late spring and autumn abundant, vaporous hemispherical inflorescences appear formed by bell-shaped flowers, with a 5-petaled corolla and a very soft pink with a central part tinged with red: these are followed in autumn by dehiscent pod-like fruits containing many winged and very light seeds which, taking advantage of the wind, spread with extreme ease.

It prefers luminous, sunny or at most partial shade positions and adapts to any soil, although it prefers fertile, humid and well-drained ones. It bears only short periods of drought and takes advantage of periodic summer wetting; close to the sea it is preferable to choose protected positions because brackish sea winds are poorly tolerated. In regions characterized by intense and prolonged cold, it is recommended to plant them in a sheltered position, as it can only overcome winter temperatures a few degrees below zero. In spring dry, damaged or bulky parts can be cut; on this occasion all the stems can be reduced to stimulate a more regular and compact growth, as well as a subsequent more generous flowering. It can be successfully grown on hanging gardens, terraces and balconies, as long as large containers and structures are guaranteed for it to climb on; in the open ground in the garden it is perfect for quickly covering fences, backs, racks, gazebos and pergolas, creating truly fascinating green curtains: we also mention some alternative uses such as those of making it develop along the dry trunk of a tree or placing it on evergreen shrubs with insignificant or complementary flowering.