Passiflora alata
winged stem passion flower
Attractive (mainly) evergreen foliage forms a lush backdrop for the fragrant, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 12cm (5in) across, with spreading...
2 litre pot
£32.99
available to order from spring
1
Plant description
Attractive (mainly) evergreen foliage forms a lush backdrop for the fragrant, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 12cm (5in) across, with spreading red tepals and a central corona banded with purple and white.
Appearing over a long period from late spring, the exotic-looking blooms are followed by ovoid yellow fruits, which can be eaten when fully ripe. The RHS award-winning winged-stem passion flower will be happiest when trained against a very sheltered, south-facing wall - or grown in a large pot and kept in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Appearing over a long period from late spring, the exotic-looking blooms are followed by ovoid yellow fruits, which can be eaten when fully ripe. The RHS award-winning winged-stem passion flower will be happiest when trained against a very sheltered, south-facing wall - or grown in a large pot and kept in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Fast-growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
How to care for Passiflora alata:
To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.
Passionflowers thrive in moist, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot protected from cold winds or pot up in a greenhouse or conservatory for earlier growth and better fruit ripening.
Provide sturdy support, such as trellis or horizontal wires, for the twining stems to climb. Water freely during the growing season and reduce slightly in winter. For container growing, use large pots to account for rapid root growth, and ensure plants are moved to a frost-free location in winter.
Feed regularly throughout the growing season and mulch in autumn with well-rotted manure or compost. In late autumn, cut back the top growth to around 10cm (4in) and apply light winter protection, such as a thick mulch around the base (avoiding the main stem) and wrapping the plant with a double layer of horticultural fleece if heavy frost is forecast.
Passionflowers may die back in winter but will re-emerge in late spring in milder regions of the UK. Prune in spring to remove dead or overcrowded stems, and once established, trim flowered shoots after blooming to encourage strong growth.
Remember that passionflowers are self-infertile, so plant two compatible varieties for successful fruit production.
Provide sturdy support, such as trellis or horizontal wires, for the twining stems to climb. Water freely during the growing season and reduce slightly in winter. For container growing, use large pots to account for rapid root growth, and ensure plants are moved to a frost-free location in winter.
Feed regularly throughout the growing season and mulch in autumn with well-rotted manure or compost. In late autumn, cut back the top growth to around 10cm (4in) and apply light winter protection, such as a thick mulch around the base (avoiding the main stem) and wrapping the plant with a double layer of horticultural fleece if heavy frost is forecast.
Passionflowers may die back in winter but will re-emerge in late spring in milder regions of the UK. Prune in spring to remove dead or overcrowded stems, and once established, trim flowered shoots after blooming to encourage strong growth.
Remember that passionflowers are self-infertile, so plant two compatible varieties for successful fruit production.
Please note:
This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.
Warning
Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten
