Passiflora caerulea
blue passion flower
A really exotic-looking plant, with large white flowers and central filaments of purple, blue and white from July to September, followed...
This pastel-flowered passion flower, a subtle mixture of warm-blue petals shaded in maroon and green, will straddle a low south-facing roof or porch and produce edible orange fruit
Plant description
This RHS award-winning blue passion flower is a vigorous, trouble-free climber that thrives in hot summers and will quickly cover a sunny wall or fence.
Ideal for a tropical planting scheme, Passiflora caerulea a tropical planting scheme, it grows best at the base of a sheltered wall in full sun, although it will tolerate some shade. The fruit are only edible when fully ripe, but not very tasty!
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 caerulea:
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.
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:
Warning
GOES WELL WITH
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