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Perk up your balcony

A climber that flowers throughout the year

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS Saritae requires pruning at times

The genus Saritae belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. Saritae are woody stemmed, evergreen climbers with tendrils from South America. They are grown over a pergola or arch or through the branches of trees.

Saritae magnifica, also called Arrabidaea mignifica, has rich green twin ovate leaflets, four inches long. Those on the main climbing stems have hook tipped tendrils. Cyme-like panicles of tubular bell shaped, pale purple or rose-pink flowers that are three to three-and-a-half inches across with pale yellow to white `V' shaped markings inside, are borne throughout the year, but more during the winter months.

Grow Saritae in full sun in mid-day shade or in partial shade in loam based, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. During the active growth period, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every month, and allow moderate to high humidity.

Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings, layering or by seeds. Being a spreading plant, it requires pruning at times, specially after flowering, to keep it in shape.

The plant makes beautiful coverage in balconies and flowers throughout the year.

CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN

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