Expert: Mike Mascio - 5/21/2007

Question
I have two small bogenvia that continue to flower. I was wondering if I can get the two to produce seeds. They both have exactly the same kind of flower and it looks like there is no pistol. Thanks.

Answer
It sounds like they are only producing female flowers at this point in their development. Once the male flower develops, all you need are some bees to pollinate the plant. If they are not in an area with bees, you can hand-pollinate them with a Q-tip by lightly applying the Q-tip to the male flower and then transferring the pollen over to the female flower. Another method is to remove the male flower and light rub it against the female flower. Both techniques work equally well.

Keep in mind, however, that if these are hybrid plants, the offspring seldom replicate exactly from seed. If you want an exact duplicate of the parent plant, you will need to propagate with cuttings. Simply remove a tender shoot that is not woody, remove all but the upper two sets of leaves, and dip the stem into a rooting compound. Rooting compunds can be purchased at most garden centers. Stick the cutting into a good potting soil and water it deeply. Then cover the pot with a light clear plastic. This creates a greenhouse effect that will retain a moist environment for the cutting. Within three weeks, the cutting should root. You can then remove the plastic and care for the plant as you would a normal seedling.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike