Passion Flower Vine – Dramatic Flowering Vine

The Passion Flower Vine (belonging to the Passiflora genus) is a dramatic flowering vine that is primarily grown for its exotic flowers and fruit.

Two popular species include Passiflora caerulea and Passiflora incarnata.

Passiflora caerulea (also known as Blue Passion Flower) is native to Argentina and Brazil. This Passionflower vine is a fast growing evergreen climber with dark green, lobed leaves.

Leaves can have between three and nine lobes. Flowers are typically white, sometimes flushed pink, with a blue or purple banded corona. Blooms appear from summer to fall, followed by yellow egg-shaped fruits.

Passiflora incarnata (also known as Purple Passion Flower) is native to the eastern United States. This Passion Flower Vine features large three to five lobed dark green leaves with lightly toothed edges.

The flowers are composed of ten lavender-white tepals arranged in a bowl shape. Above the tepals is a purple and white corona. Blooms appear from summer to fall, followed by ovoid fruit.

Passion Flower Vine General Information and Plant Care Tips


USDA Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 6 - 10

Lighting

Full sun to light shade.

Watering

During the growing season keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) to ensure good flowering and growth.

Water regularly, avoid overwatering.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring and then again six to eight weeks later.

Propagation

Passion vines can be propagated from both seeds and stem cuttings.

Soil

Grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Display and Uses

Passion Vine can be planted in the garden or in a container. If planted in a container, provide some type of support, such as a small trellis. Support is also necessary when planted in the landscape; plant near a trellis, wall, or fence.

Tips for Planting a Passion Flower Stem Cutting in a Container


  1. Combine a mixture of equal parts of sand and sphagnum peat moss. Add the mixture to the container and water it well - allow the excess to drain from the bottom of the pot.
  2. Cut a six-inch branch from the tip of the passion flower vine. Make the cut below the leaf node.
  3. Remove all the leaves and flowers from the bottom third of the branch cutting.
  4. Dip the cut end of the branch into rooting hormone. Remove excess hormone by tapping gently on the side of the jar.
  5. Create a hole for the cutting by inserting a pencil into the soil (approximately 1/2 inch deep). Place the branch in the hole and tamp the soil around it.
  6. Place the container in a bright location (avoid direct sunlight). Temperature should be 65 - 70° F at all times.
  7. Maintain moisture and humidity by misting the newly planted cutting daily.
  8. When the vine shows new growth, slowly expose the plant (for consecutively longer periods) to direct sunlight.
  9. Passion Flower is a climbing vine and will need some type of support (such as a trellis) added to the container as the cutting begins to grow.

Note: The Passion Flower can be planted in the garden eight weeks after rooting.