Passion Flower - Varieties & Cultural Instructions
Passion Flower - Varieties & Cultural Instructions
Passiflora (Passion Flower)
Height: Climbing up to 4-6m (12-20 feet)
Passiflora caerulea is the hardiest Passion Flower that can be grown outdoors in the UK all year and is long-lasting and produces mauve blooms followed by orange, inedible fruit each year.
Passiflora incarnata is also hardy in the UK. There are also a number of other species, such as 'Incense' and Passiflora. mollissima, which are more tender and should be grown either indoors in a conservatory or greenhouse, or grown outdoors in a large patio container for the summer, and given winter protection. In milder areas however, they could be grown outdoors with a protective winter fleece.
For growing outdoors, choose a moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and with shelter from cold, drying winds, and allow 90cm (3 feet) between plants. The planting soil should have plenty of compost or damp peat mixed in. Provide trellis etc, for them to climb and feed once a month through the summer with a weak liquid feed. Trim plants back lightly to maintain healthy framework after flowering each year.
For growing indoors, grow on in good light and ventilation at around 15-18C (60-65f) in a greenhouse or conservatory. Pot plants on into 13cm (5 inches), 20cm (8 inches) and finally 25-30cm (10-12 inch) pots and provide support for climbing. Give full ventilation; water freely from March to September and moderately at other times. Feed occasionally with a balanced liquid fertiliser when in flower (June & July). Plants can be placed outside in a warm sheltered spot during the summer. Keep in a frost free, light and well ventilated place during the winter, such as a frost free greenhouse or conservatory. Keep the compost in the container a little on the dry side through the winter. If the top growth is frosted the plants will lose their leaves but will, however, produce strong new growth from below ground any time from May to late June.
Prune any dead or damaged growth and top dress the compost with a slow release general fertilizer in spring as the new growth starts to show.
