Variegated Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia variegata)

Grow your own vanilla beans and enjoy the variegated foliage for a spectacular ornamental display. This member of the orchid family produces a bean that, when cured, reveals the delicious flavoring so coveted by bakers. A somewhat slow-growing vine, it needs a structure on which to climb. Once it has matured, reaching the top of the support, it will pendulate down and begin to flower. The beautiful orchid flowers last a day at which time hand pollination is needed to produce the bean.