Originating from the Indonesian Island of Ternate, this rare member of the pea family is one of the most amazing vines we have grown. These will bloom all year long in frost free zones or inside as an exotic vining houseplant. Technically a tropical perennial flowering plant, they are also easily grown annuals in more northern areas and will quickly bloom from seed in about 6-8 weeks. Flowers are solitary, bright deep blue with light yellow markings that are about 2" long by 1 1/2" wide. So named because they are a favorite food source for butterflies, Butterfly Peas are fast growing, up to 15 feet in a single season, providing quick covers for lattice, trellis and arbors or grow them in hanging baskets. They prefer full sun to light shade, are very drought tolerant and are well-adapted to a variety of soil types. For those of you who have to ask, its botanical name, Clitoria, was named for the female sexual organ, which anyone who sees the flower will recognize the similarity of its shape and the female clitoris!

Of all the flowering vines, Passion Flower bear some of the showiest blooms on earth. An easily grown plant, Passion Flower look absolutely stunning in the garden or inside as a year-round houseplant. The variety offered in this auction (Purple Granadilla) is a vigorous and free flowering deciduous climbing perennial vine which grows up to 20 feet long at maturity. Blooming from late May through October, its beautifully intricate purple and white fragrant flowers are approximately 3-4" across and are followed by smooth, round 2 inch fruits that are edible and turn yellow when ripe. Although classed as half-hardy, Passion Flower can survive winters even in zone 6 when it has the shelter of a south facing wall. In colder zones, these are best grown outside in containers and overwintered inside or grown as a year-round houseplant. Inside plants bloom intermittently throughout the winter months.

This is a fast growing vine that looks quite tropical but is also very cold hardy (to zone 4). It grows vigorously up to 20 to 40 feet. Its leaves are compound and dense and its stems have aerial roots that can cling to walls, trees and fenceposts. Showy clusters of scarlet, trumpet-shaped blooms that are three to four inches long appear in summer and continue blooming until early autumn. The long tubular orange flowers are great attractions for hummingbirds. These are ideal if you want quick growth to cover an area fast - the fact that it is such a beautiful plant is a bonus!