Passiflora

(Pro - nun - see - ashun )

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 tolerate many soil types. 

Passiflora Species and Varietals

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 x belotii (Passiflora x alatocaerulea, Passiflora pfordtii)
This hybrid is evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on the climate and grows best in 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. 

Passiflora caerulea (Blue Crown Passion Flower)
This species is best in 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. Can be invasive. Variety 'Constance Eliott' has white flowers with purple crowns.

Passiflora incarnata (Wild Passion Vine, Maypop)
This deciduous Passion Vine grows well in 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. Spreads via underground roots and can become invasive. Easy to grow from seed, but difficult to find as nursery specimens.

​Passiflora x exoniensis
This evergreen species is best in zones 16, 17, 23, 24 and H2. Flowers are droopy and pink on the inside, dark green and brownish red on the outside. Fruits are banana-shaped, yellow, and three inches long.

Passiflora 'Incense'
This is a deciduous variety that is best in zones 5-24, H1 and H2. it is hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Flowers are purple with a lighter crown and are fragrant. Fruit is olive green to yellow green and especially appetizing.

​Passiflora 'Lavender Lady'
This variety is evergreen and grows well in zones 16-24 and H2. Flowers are profuse, but unscented. Blooms are lavender with purple crowns.

​Passiflora vitifolia
This variety is evergreen and grows best in 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.

Caring for PAssiflora

not picky about soil

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 476 - 477, Passiflora
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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