Passiflora

( pass - ih - FLOR - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly known as Passion Vine, this genus of eye-catching natives of South America need full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water. The genus includes evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous vines. The beautiful, interesting flowers attract butterflies. They climb quickly via tendrils to reach 20-30 feet and bloom during warmer months. Many species produce edible fruit. They can be used as climbers or as groundcover, and make great specimens due to their unique flowers. Use Passiflora vines along fences or walls, as edimentals, or simply to draw pollinators into the landscape. Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as some plant parts (including leaves, stem, and unripe fruits) are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

Passiflora Species and Varietals

The genus Passiflora is the type genus member of the plant family Passifloraceae and includes around 550 distinct species. The best growing zones for Passion Vine vary depending on the species. For more information, reference the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Passiflora actinia (Sea Anemone Passion Flower, Passion Vlower, Passion Vine, Maracujá do Mato)
These evergreen vines are native to Brazil, and are relatively cold-tolerant. They produce flowers in early springtime, and blooms are white, mauve, purple, and blue. Fruits follow flowers, and are edible. They are golden-orange when ripe and about 4 inches long. Sea Anemone Passion Flower grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11, and is considered invasive in New Zealand.

Passiflora alata (Winged-Stem Passion Flower, Ouvaca, Fragrant Grenadilla, Maracuja de Refresco, Maracujá Grande, Great Passion Fruit)
This species forms an evergreen vine to 20 feet long with green foliage and fragrant flowers that reach 3-4 inches wide when in bloom. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Flowers are white, purple, and cream with deep red bracts, blooming from late summer through early fall. Hardy to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Fruits are sweet, aromatic, and widely consumed. This species is considered invasive in Hawai'i and Australia.

Passiflora antioquiensis (Red Banana Passionfruit, Red Vanilla Passionfruit, Curuba, Curuba Antioqueña, Curuba quiteña)
Native to Colombia and named for the Antioquia Department in which it was found, this species forms an evergreen vine. Flowers are deep red, borne on long stems that dangle from branches. Fruits that follow are elongated and banana-shaped with sweet, tropical flavor. Outer petals are sometimes recurved towards the flower's base. This species grows well in USDA zones 9a-11 and is hardy to 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Passiflora arizonica (Arizona Passionflower, Arizona Passion Vine, Passion Flower)
These plants are perennial climbing vines native to the Sonoran Desert in northwestern Mexico and southern Arizona in the United States. It produces quite showy night-blooming light purple to whitish flowers and is typically is seen growing in desert grassland landscapes. Fruits are small and yield little pulp; they are not commonly consumed. Arizona Passionflower is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8b-10.

Passiflora x belotii (Passiflora x alatocaerulea, Passiflora pfordtii) (Belot's Passionflower, Passion Vine)
This hybrid is evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the climate and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b or Sunset growing zones 5-9, 12-24. H1 and H2. This widely planted variety has white flowers that have pink and lavender tones and are fragrant. Crowns are normally deep blue or purple. This is not a fruiting variety. In colder areas, give protection from frost and wind and mulch roots in wintertime. Fruits produced by this species are hollow and not considered edible.

Passiflora bryonioides (Cupped Passionflower)
These plants are native to northern Mexico in the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Guanajuato and in the southwestern United States (Arizona). It forms an annual vine that uses tendrils to climb structures and other plants, and produces white flowers with purple stripes along petals. Fruits are pale green. Cupped Passionflower is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. This is a mostly ornamental species; fruits are small and not widely consumed due to their mild flavor.

Passiflora caerulea (Blue Crown Passion Flower, Common Passion Flower, Blue Passion Flower, Bluecrown Passion Flower)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 5-9, 12-24. H1 and H2 and will die to the ground in cooler regions. Can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. Flowers are slightly fragrant and are green-white with white and purple crowns. Fruit is egg-shaped and yellowish orange, but is not particularly appetizing (bitter, bland and seedy) and not widely consumed. Can be invasive. Cultivar 'Constance Elliott' has white flowers with purple crowns. Sterile hybrid 'Lavender Lady' (also called 'Amethyst') has lavender to purple unscented flowers. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand, Hawai'i, South Africa, Spain, and Italy.

Passiflora cinnabarina (Red Passionflower, Crimson Passionflower)
Endemic to south-eastern Australia, these climbing to scrambling vines produce stems up to 13 feet long. Tendrils form in leaf axils, and flowers are red with white and yellow filaments. Fruits that follow blooms are small, grey-green, and are mostly eaten by wildlife. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

Passiflora citrina (Lemon-Yellow Passion Flower, Citrus-Lemon Passionflower)
This species is native to Central America, and is widely grown as an ornamental in its native range. It is grown in greenhouses outside of its native range as a specimen, as well. Flowers are light to bright yellow with protruding stamens. Mild-flavored fruits are primarily ornamental but are sometimes used in desserts. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Passiflora edulis (Passion Fruit, Maracuja, Parcha, Wal Dodam, Yellow Grenadilla, Likkoi, Maracuya)
These vines are native to an area that ranges from southern Brazil through Paraguay into northern Argentina and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11. The species is commercially cultivated for its fruits, which are sweet and seedy. It forms a perennial vine with green foliage and white and purple flowers. This species is considered invasive in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Hawai'i, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, and Florida (United States).

Passiflora x exoniensis (Exeter Passion Flower)
This evergreen species is best in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11 or Sunset growing zones 16, 17, 23, 24 and H2. Flowers are pink on the inside, dark green and brownish red on the outside. Fruits are banana-shaped, yellow, and three inches long. They are sweet and flavorful. This species is considered invasive in California, Hawai'i, and the western United States, tropical Pacific Islands, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Passiflora foetida (Stinking Passionflower, Wild Maracuja, Bush Passion Fruit, Wild Water Lemon, Stoneflower, Love-In-A-Mist, Running Pop)
Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, these vines are suited for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. Stems are thin and wiry, and older stems are woody. Leaves give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. Flowers are white with light blue to light purple. Fruits are encased in a lacy, net-like ring of sticky bracts and have a mild but sweet tropical flavor. They are considered proto-carnivorous plants due to their ability to trap insects on their sticky bracts and digest them using enzymes. Stinking Passionflower is known as an invasive in southeast Asia, Oceania, northern Australia, Madagascar, and the Maldives.

Passiflora glandulosa (Wild Passion Fruit, Red Amazonian Passionflower)
This deciduous climbing vine produces stems that can reach up to 66 feet long, and is native to the northeastern coast of South America. It has red to scarlet-colored flowers with recurved petals. Fruits that follow blooms are yellow-orange and have a refreshing, mildly acidic flavor. Wild Passion Fruit vines grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12.

Passiflora incarnata (Wild Passion Vine, Maypop, Purple Passion Flower, True Passionflower, Wild Apricot)
This deciduous Passion Vine grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-10, 12-24, H1 and H2. It is native to the eastern regions of the United States and is hardy (good to about -10 degrees Fahrenheit). Fragrant flowers are white or pale lavender with showy purple and pink crowns. Fruit is egg-shaped and yellow, and are eaten by wildlife and human foragers. Spreads via underground roots and can become invasive in the landscape. A popular hybrid is 'Incense' (sterile, with purple flowers and delicious olive-green fruits).

Passiflora laurifolia (Water Lemon, Jamaican Honeysuckle, Golden Bellapple, Pomme Liane, Orange Lilikoi, Yellow Grenadilla, Bell Apple)
Native to the tropical Americas, these plants have a wide distribution throughout tropical areas of the world. They are occasionally cultivated for their fruits. Fruits have green to deep orange skin and white-yellow extremely juicy pulp. Flowers are white and purple. These vines thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9b-12 and are highly invasive in the Hawaiian Islands, the Marshall Islands, Niue, and Australia.

Passiflora ligularis (Sweet Granadilla, Grenadia, Sugarfruit, Yellow Passionfruit)
This species forms an evergreen climbing shrubby plant, producing stems up to over 16 feet long. Leaves are dark green with grey-green undersides and flowers are white (sometimes flushed with pink or purple). Flowers appear throughout the year in the plant's native range (central and northwestern South America). Fruits that follow are yellow-orange when ripe, though can take on brownish hues if they do not get enough sunlight. They are sweet, aromatic, and tropical. Granadilla grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. This species is considered invasive in Hawai'i, the Galapagos Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Indonesia, Samoa, and New Caledonia.

Passiflora loefgrenii (Garlic Passion Fruit)
This species is named for its specimen collector Albert Lofgren, and forms a perennial, climbing vine. Stems are smooth, and leaves are green. Flowers are purple, blue-violet, and white and about 5 inches wide. Fruits that follow have flesh with strong overtones of Garlic and a somewhat acquired taste. This species is considered invasive in Australia.

Passiflora lutea (Yellow Passionflower, Small Passionflower, Yellow Passion Vine)
Native to the central and eastern areas of the United States, these perennial vines produce leaves that have three lobes. Flowers are yellow-green and small, followed by green fruits that turn almost black when mature. The fruits are edible but not particularly flavorful, and were historically used to make ink. These vines reach up to between 10 and 16 feet long, and prefer to grow in moist to wet habitats. They are suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-10.

Passiflora maliformis (Sweet Calabash, Conch Apple, Wild Purple Passionfruit, Sweet Cup)
These fast-growing shrubby vines grow well in cooler-than-tropical habitats (best in USDA zones 10-12), and produce stems that can reach up to between 10 and 33 feet long when mature. Flowers are are white and purple, and fruits that follow have tougher, harder rinds than fruits of other species in the genus. They are eaten fresh or used in smoothies or desserts. These plants are native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern areas of South America. This species is considered invasive across several Pacific Islands.

Passiflora mixta (Curuba de Indio, Curuba de Monte, Curubita, Parcha, Taxo, Banana Passionfruit)
These perennial vines can be identified by their bright pink flowers and are native to an area that ranges from Venezuela through Bolivia. They are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and have naturalized in many areas of the world. The fruits produced by these vines are elongated and fuzzy, and are commonly eaten fresh or juiced. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand, New Guinea, and eastern regions of Africa.

Passiflora morifolia (Blue Sweet Calabash, Woodland Passionflower)
These twining vines are fast-growing and can reach up to 24-33 feet long in a single season. They are suited for USDA hardiness zones 9b-11. Flowers are white, blue and purple, followed by fruits that mature to a dark blue-black color. Hardy to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Fruits are edible but not flavorful and have orange flesh. Grows well in full sun or filtered shade, quite vigorous once established. Native to Central America and South America and considered invasive in Australia, Hawai'i, Zimbabwe, and Italy.

Passiflora suberosa (Corkystem Passionflower, Corky Passion Vine, Cork-Bark Passion Flower, Corkstem Passionflower, Corky Passionfruit, Meloncillo, Wild Passionfruit)
These plants, native to the Americas, form creeping perennial lianas up to 20 feet long. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. Leaves are simple and shiny green on both sides. Flowers are small and yellow-green, relatively inconspicuous compared to flowers of other species in the genus. Fruits are small and round, almost black when ripe. They are edible, but lack the robust, sweet flavor of commercial passion fruits. These vines are highly invasive in Australia, Africa, southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Passiflora quadrangularis (Giant Granadilla, Barbadine, Grenadine, Giant Tumbo, Badea)
These vigorous, tender evergreen perennial vines produce the largest fruit of any species in the genus. These plants are native to the Neotropics (best in USDA zones 10-12), and produce nodding red flowers surrounded by white and purple filaments. They are grown as ornamentals, and for their fruits. Hardy to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. These vigorous vines are invasive in the Galapagos and Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, the Bahamas, Florida (United States) and coastal Australia.

Passiflora tarminiana (Banana Passionfruit, Banana Poka)
These climbing vines produce deciduous green foliage and light pink to mauve-colored flowers. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. Flowers are pink with yellow stamens, and fruits that follow are elongated and yellow to orange when ripe, resembling small bananas (hence their common name). The fruits have aromatic, sweet pulp. Banana Poka is considered invasive in Hawai'i, New Zealand, and Australia.

Passiflora telesiphe (Telesiphe Passionflower)
These vines produce slender branches clothed in dark green (sometimes mottled with white) leaves with purple undersides. Flowers are white with purple tinge and filaments are white to purplish. Fruits are globose berries, and are not commonly consumed. Telesiphe Passionflower grows well in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.

Passiflora vitifolia (Perfumed Passionflower, Crimson Passionflower, Grape-Leaved Passionfruit, Red Passion Vine)
Native to southern Central America and northwestern South America, these vines produce stems covered in red-brown hairs when young. Leaves resemble those of Vitis spp. This species is evergreen and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or Sunset growing zones 16, 17, 23, 24 and H2. Leaves are large and deep green; flowers are bright red and unscented. Fruit is yellow and about 2 inches long, with juicy, aromatic pulp. This species is considered invasive in Florida and Hawai'i in the United States.

Caring for PAssiflora

Take care when planting these vines in the landscape, as some plant parts (including leaves, stem, and unripe fruits) are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Passionflower vines do well in full sun to partial shade conditions, and sun requirements vary depending on the species. On average, should ideally be receiving between 6 and 8 hours of direct light each day, and will flower and produce the best foliage and fruits the more sun they get. Some afternoon protection from sun is needed in particularly hot areas to avoid over-stressing the plant or causing foliage sunburn. These vines prefer well-draining soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (neutral to acidic). If local soils are compacted, do not drain well, or are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic matter or compost before installing. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant after installation, ensuring that mulch stays at least a few inches away from the stems. This will increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain a constant soil temperature.

Keep the soil moist while plants establish a strong root system; mature plants are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do appreciate consistent moisture during the growth and flowering season, especially if a good harvest is desired. Foliage can be trimmed back at any time of the year to control growth and remove dead, damaged and diseased stems and leaves. Doing so will keep the plant at its healthiest form. Pinch young plants to encourage a bushy habit to form. Fertilize Passiflora plants yearly for the best show of blooms with a dressing of organic compost applied around the base of the vine. Work the compost into the soil a bit, and then replace the mulch around the base. These vines can survive in the landscape for 3 to 7 years, though some of the non-fruiting ornamental cultivars can persist for decades.

Caring for Passiflora in Containers
Passiflora vines do very well in the ground but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Passiflora vines grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Passiflora
Please note that only the ripe fruits of Passion vines are edible; the unripe fruits and other plant parts are toxic and should not be consumed. Passiflora vines produce sweet, edible fruits that have a flavor profile that is an explosion of tropical flavors. The pulp is jelly-like and aromatic, with a taste that is a cross between Psidium (Guava), Citrus, Mangifera (Mango), and Ananas (Pineapple). The texture is slightly crunchy due to the edible seeds. Over 80 species of Passiflora produce edible fruits, but only a handful of them are cultivated for commercial production. The species most commonly cultivated for their edible fruits are Passiflora edulis, Passiflora ligularis (Sweet Granadilla), Passiflora quadrangularis (Giant Granadilla), Passiflora tarminiana (Banana Passion Fruit), Passiflora incarnata (Maypop), and Passiflora alata (Perfumed Granadilla). Fruits are produced by mature vines, and are ripe from late summer through fall. They are mature when they attain their full ripe color, which varies depending on the species cultivated. The fruits will have a textured, wrinkly skin.

Passionfruits can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for about a month. Pulp can be stored in an airtight container for 2 or 3 days. Pulp can also be frozen in ice cube trays and stored in the ice box in a freezer bag, where it will last for about three months. To eat fruit fresh off the vine, cut the fruit in half, scoop out the flesh and seeds with a spoon, and enjoy raw. The seeds are edible, and give the fruit a crunchy texture. To remove seeds from pulp, add fruit to a blender and pulse 2 to 4 times. This will separate the juice from the seed casing without rushing the seeds. Then, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to extract the smooth juice.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Passiflora vines can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Passionflower Vine, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Passiflora by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Passiflora by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, and that plants grown from seed can take up to 10 years to start blooming and producing fruits. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds of Passionflower vines are contained inside of the fruits produced after flowers have faded. They are best used straight out of the mature fruit; they do not store well and should be planted immediately after harvesting. Fruits are typically mature in late summer or fall
Passiflora seeds have a hard coating that protects them, but this coating also makes it a little difficult to get them to germinate. We can help the process along by soaking them in lukewarm water for around 24 hours before planting them. Toss any seeds that float; they are not viable and will not germinate.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

The edible fruits of Passionflower Vine contain many seeds.

Passionflower seeds are typically dark, somewhat large, and have pock-marked surfaces.

Problems and Pests

Certain Passiflora species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. In the garden, Passion Vine is susceptible to developing issues with the following: