Butterfly Pea Tree (Clitoria arborea) Rare Live Plant

The Clitoria arborea, commonly known as Butterfly Pea Tree, Clitoria Tree, Aparajita, or Shankupushpam Tree, is a magnificent flowering tree from the Fabaceae family. This rare and ornamental plant is admired for its large, butterfly-shaped purple blooms and lush green foliage. Perfect for Indian gardens, home entrances, or landscape borders, it adds a striking tropical touch year-round.

Plant Type	Air layered
Family	Fabaceae
Common Names	Butterfly Pea Tree, Shankupushpam Tree, Mountain Clitoria, Aparajita
Scientific Name	Clitoria arborea
Plant Height	Approximately 2 ft
Blooming Time	Throughout the year.
Ideal Temperature	15°C to 35°C
Benefits	Ornamental Beauty Attracts Pollinators Shade and Landscaping Traditional Medicine Erosion Control Cultural Significance
First Bloom	3–4 months
Flower Colour	Purple
Sunlight	Full sun to partial sunlight
Plant Age	8 months old
Lifespan	Perennial
Maintenance Required	Easy

✨ Why Choose the Butterfly Pea Tree?

Rare Tree Variety 

Unlike the common creeper, this is a rare tree form of Clitoria with bold, velvety purple-pink blooms in hanging clusters.

Pollinator Friendly

Attracts butterflies, bees, and other helpful garden friends.

Ideal for Indian Climates

Grows beautifully in warm and sunny regions across India.

Low Maintenance

Needs basic care with well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional pruning.

🌼 Plant Details

🌿 Plant Type

The Butterfly Pea Tree (Clitoria arborea) is a rare, woody perennial flowering shrub or small tree, recognised for its upright to semi-climbing growth habit. It thrives best in outdoor tropical and subtropical climates, offering a moderate growth rate and a long lifespan with proper care.

🌸 Flower

This tree produces large, showy deep purple flowers with soft pink throats that resemble butterfly wings. The 5–6 cm blooms appear in dense, hanging clusters, creating a striking tropical display throughout the blooming season.

🍃 Leaf

The foliage features lush, dark green compound leaves, each with 5 to 7 smooth, oval-shaped leaflets. Their vibrant colour enhances the visual appeal and contrasts beautifully with the purple blooms, offering year-round greenery.

🌻 Flowering frequency

The Butterfly Pea Tree blooms frequently in warm Indian climates, often flowering year-round. With proper care, it starts blooming in 3–4 months. Regular sunlight, feeding, and deadheading encourage continuous blooms.

🌷 Fragrance

The Butterfly Pea Tree has a mild to no noticeable fragrance. Despite its subtle aroma, the nectar-rich flowers naturally attract pollinators, bringing vibrant life and movement to your garden.

🌞 Growing & Care Guide

☀️ Sunlight

Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Prefers bright, full sun for maximum flowering.

Can tolerate partial shade but with reduced blooms.

Avoid deep shade – it will lead to poor growth and no flowering.

🌡️ Temperature

Thrives in warm climates: Ideal range: 15°C to 35°C.

Not frost-tolerant – protect from extreme cold or frost.

Performs well in tropical and subtropical climates.

🍀 Soil

Grows best in well-drained, fertile soil.

Preferred soil types: Sandy, loamy, or light clay.

Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Add compost or cow dung manure to improve soil fertility and texture.

💧 Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season (spring and summer).

Water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.

Avoid overwatering – excess moisture can lead to root rot.

During winter or the plant’s dormant phase, reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogging.

🌱 Fertilisation

Fertilise once a month during the active growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Use the following organic fertilisers for best results:

Vermicompost – Improves soil texture, drainage, aeration, and water-holding capacity.

Goat dung manure – Provides a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.

Bone meal – Boosts flowering and root development.

Fish amino acid – Enhances overall growth and supports continuous blooming.

Mix the fertilisers into the topsoil and water thoroughly after application to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

✂️ Pruning 

Regular pruning helps your Butterfly Pea Tree stay lush and blooming!

Trim lightly after each flowering phase to keep the plant in shape.

Encourages bushier growth by stimulating new branches.

Helps the plant focus energy on producing more flowers.

Remove dried or faded blooms (deadheading) to support continuous flowering and healthier growth.

🪴 Pot vs Ground Planting

Whether in a pot or directly in the ground, the Butterfly Pea Tree adapts well and rewards you with vibrant blooms and graceful growth.

In Pots:

Start with a 12-inch pot or grow bag for young plants.

Shift to an 18-inch pot or grow bag as the plant matures.

Ensure the container has proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

In containers, the plant can grow up to 6–7 feet tall with proper care.

In Ground:

Plant with enough space away from other trees to allow healthy growth.

When grown directly in the ground, the Butterfly Pea Tree can reach up to 9–10 feet or more in height.

🐛 Pest & Disease Control        

Watch out for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

Spray Neem oil or apply Metarhizium anisopliae every 10–15 days to keep pests in check.

Monitor for powdery mildew or fungal spots – improve air circulation and treat with Trichoderma for effective control.

⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions

Pale Leaves / No Blooms:

The plant may not be getting enough light. Move it to a sunnier location or increase sunlight exposure.

Yellowing Leaves:

Often caused by overwatering. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again.

Powdery Mildew:

Caused by poor air circulation. Improve airflow and apply a Trichoderma-based fungicide.

Brown Spots on Leaves:

Can be due to sunburn or environmental stress. Protect the plant from intense sunlight, reduce stress, and apply organic treatments.

🌟 Traditional & Functional Uses

Flowers are used to brew vibrant herbal tea (like Clitoria ternatea).

Roots and leaves used in traditional medicine.

Offers vertical height and shade in decorative landscaping.

Improves soil quality and resists erosion – perfect for farm or sloped areas.

🌺 Add a Touch of the Tropics to Your Garden!

Whether you’re designing a lush landscape or looking for a striking centerpiece for your garden, the Butterfly Pea Flower Tree is an excellent choice with its rare beauty, easy care, and rich cultural value.