| Topical-looking, short-lived, waxy flowers grow on these rapid-growing, evergreen or deciduous vines grown outdoors only in the southernmost United States. Parts of the short-lived flowers are said to represent elements in the biblical story of Jesus' Passion. Varieties include the popular Blue Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea), which is nearly immune to pests and is less affected by frost. Passiflora alatocaerulea, which has been used in perfume, has fragrant, white flowers, tinted pink and lavender with deep blue or purple crowns. Vines reach 20 to 30 feet tall. Vigorous growth can become a tangle of new and old vines, so thin each spring after second year and support vines on trellises or fences. Outdoors in mild climates, plant with trellis or other support in ground or containers. Use on banks for erosion control. Likes full sun to partial shade. It is a greenhouse plant where winters are cold. Start by seed or cuttings. Water during summer. Watch for caterpillars. |
Some types of Passionflower have fleshy, edible fruits, call Passion Fruits, which become orange or yellow in fall.
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Attributes - Passiflora
Plant Type: Vine
Bloom Season: Mid Summer through Mid Fall
Flower Color: Blue, Lavender, Pink, Red, White
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 20 ft. to 30 ft.
Width: 20 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Climate: Zones 9, 10
Notes: Edible, Fragrant, Long Blooming, Showy Flowers.
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