Aparajita (Butterfly Pea / Shankhpushpi) Thai Double Blue Plant
Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Aparajita, Butterfly Pea, or Shankhpushpi, is a flowering climber belonging to the Fabaceae family. This Thai Double Blue variety produces stunning double-petaled violet-blue flowers with a full, layered appearance resembling miniature roses, making it one of the most ornamental forms of Butterfly Pea.
Widely cultivated for its ornamental beauty, edible flowers, herbal tea, and traditional medicinal uses, Thai Double Blue Aparajita combines vigorous growth with spectacular blooms. Its dense, layered flowers create a richer display than the standard single-flowered variety, making it an excellent choice for trellises, fences, pergolas, and balcony gardens.
Flower Colour: Violet Blue with White Throat
Flower Form: Double Petaled
Blooming Season: Most of the year in warm tropical climates
Culinary Uses
- The flowers are widely used to prepare Butterfly Pea Tea and as a natural blue food colouring.
- The tea naturally changes from blue to purple when lemon juice or other acidic ingredients are added.
- Flowers can be used in beverages, desserts, rice dishes, cocktails, and herbal infusions.
- The petals pair well with honey, mint, ginger, cinnamon, and passion fruit.
Growing Conditions
Thai Double Blue Aparajita thrives in full sun and adapts well to a wide range of soil types, including clay soils. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5–8.9. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and abundant flowering. Applying phosphorus-rich fertilizers such as bone meal helps support healthy blooms. In warm, frost-free climates, flowering can begin within 7–11 weeks and continue for much of the year.
Landscape Uses
Ideal for trellises, fences, pergolas, balconies, containers, butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, and ornamental landscapes where its abundant double blue flowers create a striking visual display throughout the growing season.









