Butterfly Pea Vine
Clitoria ternatea
Butterfly Pea Vine is a fast-growing tropical legume with stunning deep blue flowers that produce color-changing tea. Valued for culinary uses, nitrogen-fixing, and ornamental beauty.
Fabaceae (Legume or Pea family)
Year-round in tropics, summer through fall in temperate zones
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: golden dewdrop flowers and butterfly peas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Deeply embedded in Southeast Asian culture, Butterfly Pea has been cultivated for centuries. In Thailand and Malaysia, it colors traditional rice dishes vibrant blue. The flowers produce tea that magically changes from blue to purple when lemon is added - a pH indicator showcase beloved in modern mixology. In Indian Ayurveda, it's revered as "aparajita" (unconquered). The plant represents the fusion of beauty, utility, and science, being both ornamental and a source of natural food coloring, medicine, and eco-friendly insecticide.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate; drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent watering
Soil
Well-drained, Dry to moist, Loamy, Clay tolerant, Fertile preferred
Expert Growing Tips
Soak seeds in warm water 12-24 hours before planting
Sow 1/2 inch deep in moist, well-draining soil
Provide trellis or support for climbing
Flowers appear in 60-75 days from seed
As legume, fixes nitrogen - enriches soil
Tolerates various soil types including acidic and alkaline
Harvest flowers for tea when fully open
Tender pods edible when immature
Perennial in zones 10-12, annual elsewhere
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Trellises, arbors, and fences
- Vertical gardens and screens
- Pollinator gardens (attracts bees and butterflies)
- Container gardens with support
- Edible landscaping
- Living walls of foliage and flowers
Traditional Uses
- Used in Ayurvedic medicine as "aparajita" for cognitive enhancement
- Traditional treatments for fever, inflammation, pain, and diabetes
- Rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins
- Contains cyclotides with insecticidal properties
- Flowers, leaves, young shoots, and tender pods all edible
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Butterfly Pea Vine
How do you make butterfly pea tea?
Steep fresh or dried Butterfly Pea flowers in hot water for 3-5 minutes to create a vibrant blue tea. Add lemon juice to watch it magically turn purple due to pH changes. The tea is caffeine-free.
Is butterfly pea vine edible?
Yes, all parts are edible: flowers (used for tea and food coloring), young leaves, shoots, and tender pods can all be consumed. The flowers are the most commonly used part.
Does butterfly pea vine attract butterflies?
Despite its name referencing the flower shape (not insect attraction), Butterfly Pea does attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.
Is butterfly pea vine perennial?
Butterfly Pea is perennial in USDA zones 10-12 (tropical/subtropical climates) but is grown as an annual in cooler regions. It can be overwintered indoors in containers.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Golden Dewdrop Flower
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Butterfly Pea
Clitoria ternatea
Butterfly Pea is a stunning tropical vine known for its vivid deep blue flowers. Beyond its ornamental beauty, it's celebrated for culinary uses - the flowers create a natural blue dye and color-changing tea.
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