About Butterfly Pea
A vigorous tropical vine producing vivid cobalt-blue, butterfly-shaped flowers that are as useful as they are beautiful. The striking blue petals are edible and widely used in Filipino beverages, rice coloring, and desserts. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving garden fertility naturally while providing a spectacular floral display on fences and trellises. Butterfly Pea belongs to the Fabaceae family and originates from Tropical Asia; native to and widely naturalized across the Philippines, Indonesia, and India..
Blue ternate is deeply embedded in Filipino culture and cuisine. The flowers are used to make blue ternate tea (a refreshing drink that changes color with calamansi), to color puto, kutsinta, and other kakanin a vivid blue-purple, and as natural food dye. In recent years, blue ternate tea has exploded in popularity in Manila milk tea shops and health-conscious cafes. The vine grows wild in many Filipino backyards, along fences, and in vacant lots. Locally called 'pukingan' or 'kolokanting' in Visayan, it is one of the most accessible and versatile plants in Philippine gardens. Seeds are free for the taking from neighbors or wild vines.
Also known as: Blue Ternate, Kolokanting, Asian Pigeonwings.
Popular Varieties
- Clitoria ternatea (single blue, the standard form)
- Clitoria ternatea 'Alba' (white-flowered variety)
- Clitoria ternatea 'Double Blue' (double-petaled, extra showy)
- Clitoria ternatea 'Purple' (deep violet-blue)
How to Plant Butterfly Pea in the Philippines
Butterfly Pea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. The recommended method is seeds (soak overnight for best germination).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Soak seeds in warm water overnight to soften the hard seed coat.
- Step 2: Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in moist potting mix or directly in garden soil.
- Step 3: Keep soil moist and place in a sunny location.
- Step 4: Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
- Step 5: Once seedlings have 4-6 true leaves, transplant near a trellis, fence, or support structure.
- Step 6: The vine will begin flowering within 2-3 months from seed.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours direct sun for maximum flowering). Position your butterfly pea where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water regularly during establishment, 2-3 times per week. Once established, the vine is drought-tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine lowland heat). Moderate to high — perfectly adapted to Philippine conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing butterfly pea outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeding only — as a nitrogen-fixing legume, it needs minimal fertilizer. Apply low-nitrogen bloom booster (5-10-10) monthly if desired.
Pruning
Prune regularly to control spread and prevent the vine from becoming invasive. Cut back hard after peak flowering season.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Flowers, leaves, and young pods are edible. Widely consumed in Filipino food and beverages.
Common Problems & Solutions
Aggressive spreading and tangling
Cause: Natural vigorous growth habit
Solution: Prune regularly and train on a dedicated support. Remove unwanted runners before they root.
Pod borers damaging seed pods
Cause: Legume pod borer insects
Solution: Remove affected pods. Apply neem oil to remaining pods. Harvest pods early for seeds.
Few flowers
Cause: Too much shade or excess nitrogen in soil
Solution: Move to full sun. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over flowering.
Spider mites in dry season
Cause: Low humidity and dusty conditions
Solution: Mist the vine regularly. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Butterfly Pea in the Philippines?
Butterfly Pea needs full sun (6-8 hours direct sun for maximum flowering). Water regularly during establishment, 2-3 times per week. once established, the vine is drought-tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone.. Feed with light feeding only — as a nitrogen-fixing legume, it needs minimal fertilizer. apply low-nitrogen bloom booster (5-10-10) monthly if desired.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine lowland heat) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Butterfly Pea?
The recommended method is seeds (soak overnight for best germination). Soak seeds in warm water overnight to soften the hard seed coat. Sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in moist potting mix or directly in garden soil.
Is Butterfly Pea toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Flowers, leaves, and young pods are edible. Widely consumed in Filipino food and beverages.
Can Butterfly Pea grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Butterfly Pea grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Butterfly Pea?
Common issues include: Aggressive spreading and tangling (caused by natural vigorous growth habit — prune regularly and train on a dedicated support. remove unwanted runners before they root); Pod borers damaging seed pods (caused by legume pod borer insects — remove affected pods. apply neem oil to remaining pods. harvest pods early for seeds); Few flowers (caused by too much shade or excess nitrogen in soil — move to full sun. avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over flowering).
Growing butterfly pea in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!