Pandorea Jasminoides
Pandorea jasminoides (Lindl.) K.Schum.
Pandorea jasminoides, the bower of beauty, is one of Australia's most spectacular native climbers, draping fences, pergolas, and trellises in masses of elegant trumpet-shaped flowers in white or pink with a deep crimson throat. A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, it is both a rainforest gem and one of the most rewarding ornamental vines available to Australian and international gardeners.
Bignoniaceae
Late spring to late summer or early autumn (September to March in Australia); flowers appear in clusters for several months; in warm subtropical climates the season can extend even further
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: hibbertia scandenss and star jasmines also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Pandorea jasminoides carries a name of extraordinary mythological depth. The genus Pandora was named after Pandora of Greek mythology, the woman who, according to the myth related by the poet Hesiod, opened a sealed vessel (sometimes described as a jar, not a box) and allowed all the evils of the world to escape, leaving only hope inside. In the context of the plant, this mythological reference was applied by botanist Karl Moritz Schumann in 1894 to describe the many winged seeds released when the plant's boat-shaped seed capsules split open, dispersing their contents freely and widely, like Pandora's vessel releasing what it contained. The species name jasminoides comes from the Latin jasmine combined with the Greek oides meaning "resembling," and means "resembling jasmine," a reference to the soft, trumpet-shaped white flowers and their slight fragrance, which recall the beloved Northern Hemisphere jasmine. The species was first formally described in 1837 by George Don as Tecoma jasminoides. Pandorea jasminoides has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, the most prestigious British accolade for garden plants, recognising its exceptional ornamental quality. It is grown across subtropical and warm temperate regions worldwide, including in the Mediterranean, California, South Africa, and New Zealand. The cultivar "Lady Di" was reportedly named in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, following her death in 1997, and features pure snow-white flowers on an exceptionally vigorous plant. The vine provides important habitat for small rainforest fauna in its native range, its dense foliage creating sheltered micro-habitats for small invertebrates within the vertical layers of the rainforest canopy.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers most prolifically in a sunny or lightly dappled position; tolerates more shade than most flowering climbers
Water
Prefers consistently moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; water regularly, especially during summer growth and flowering; established plants can tolerate periodic drought but flower better with adequate moisture; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Moist, Well-drained, Loamy, Rich in organic matter, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in moist, well-drained, organically rich soil in a warm, sunny to lightly shaded position
Best suited to subtropical and tropical climates; damaged by frosts below approximately -2 degrees Celsius; protect from frost in more temperate areas or grow against a warm wall
Provide a robust trellis, pergola, or other strong structure; the mature plant becomes quite heavy and vigorous
Do not plant near sewer pipes; the roots can cause damage to plumbing in older pipe systems
Water regularly during spring and summer; mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and a cool root zone
Prune after the main summer flowering flush to control size and encourage vigorous new growth that will carry the following season's flowers
Propagate readily from seed (germinates within 10-21 days at 20-24 degrees Celsius), stem cuttings, or layering of stems touching the ground; one of the easiest climbers to propagate
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Vigorous ornamental climber for pergolas, arches, trellises, fences, and walls
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen screen for privacy and shade in subtropical and tropical gardens
- Cut flower (fresh flower sprigs with clusters of blooms are beautiful in vases)
- Container growing with a robust trellis or support structure in warm climates
- Atttracts butterflies, bees, and small nectar-feeding birds
- Named cultivars available including "Lady Di" (snow-white flowers, vigorous climber), "Rosea" (deep rose-pink flowers), "Charade" (pale pink), and "Ruby Belle" (deep pink-red)
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pandorea Jasminoides
Why is pandorea jasminoides named after pandora?
The genus name Pandorea was applied by botanist Karl Moritz Schumann in 1894 as a reference to Pandora of Greek mythology, who opened a vessel and released its contents into the world. In the context of this plant, the name refers to the seed capsules, which split open when ripe to release numerous flat, papery, winged seeds that disperse freely into the air, much as Pandora's vessel released what it contained.
Does pandorea jasminoides have a scent?
The flowers have a mild, subtle fragrance that has been described as softly sweet and jasmine-like in quality, though it is not as strongly scented as true jasmines. The species name jasminoides means "resembling jasmine" in reference to both the appearance of the trumpet-shaped flowers and this faint, pleasant fragrance. The scent is most noticeable when standing close to the plant in warm, still conditions.
Is pandorea jasminoides the same as bower vine?
Yes. Bower vine and bower of beauty are the two most widely used common names for Pandorea jasminoides. Both names derive from the plant's most natural ornamental use: trained over a pergola, trellis, or arch, its dense, flowering coverage creates a romantic, sheltered bower of flowers and foliage, a shaded retreat hung with blossoms.
Is pandorea jasminoides frost-hardy?
It is not reliably frost-hardy and is best suited to subtropical and warm temperate climates where frosts below approximately -2 degrees Celsius are rare or absent. In cooler temperate climates it can be grown against a warm, sheltered wall or under glass. It is widely and successfully grown in the Mediterranean, California, South Africa, and comparable warm temperate regions internationally.
Can pandorea jasminoides damage pipes?
The plant should not be planted near sewer pipes or older plumbing, as its vigorous root system can damage or infiltrate pipe systems in the same way as many other vigorous climbers and some trees. This is a practical consideration when choosing a planting position in an established garden. Allow at least 3 m of clearance from any known pipe runs when planting.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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