Petra

Who said that climbing plants were the kind that made the garden look, to say the least, wild? The truth is that there are some species that do have such a rapid growth rate that, if they are not controlled, they look a bit bad, but that does not happen with those of the genus Petra.

In addition to being evergreen plants, they produce hanging flowers so beautiful that in English they are called "Purple rain", that is, "Purple rain." Let's get to know them.

Origin and characteristics

Image - Wikimedia / Cyron Ray Macey

Our protagonists are shrubby climbing plants native to Mexico and Central America. Its leaves are simple, whole, with the central vein visible and about 10cm long by 3-5cm wide. The flowers, which sprout in spring, are grouped in hanging clusters, and can be purple or yellowish-white. And the fruits are drupes that contain seeds.

The best known species is the petrea volubilis, known as machiguá. It grows on the banks of rivers from northern Mexico to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela.

What are their cares?

Image - Wikimedia / João medeiros

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location: it must be outside, in full sun or in semi-shade.
• Earth:
  • Garden: grows in soils rich in organic matter, with good drainage (you have more information on this topic here).
  • Flowerpot: I recommend putting a first layer of river sand, arlite or similar, and then finish filling with universal culture substrate.
• Irrigation: it has to be watered about 4 times a week in summer, and about 2 a week the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: from early spring to late summer, with ecological fertilizers once every 15-20 days.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
• Pruning: In late winter, stems that are overgrown can be trimmed.
• Rusticity: It depends on the species, but in general it resists weak frosts down to -3ºC provided it is for a short time.

Did you know these plants?