Passiflora caerulea
|
Blue passion flower, Common passion flower
|
Currently unavailable |
Type/Hardiness |
Herbaceous, Perennial, Climber, Hardy |
Flowering period |
Spring to first frosts |
Height |
Up to 15-20m |
Light preference |
Sun, part shade |
Soil preference |
Well-drained, moist, moderately fertile |
Sowing time/depth |
Any time, 0.1in/2mm-0.25/5mm |
|
Attractive in all respects, this vigorous climber has not only exquisitely intricate flowers but distinctive lobed foliage and bright orange, egg-shaped fruits, which are edible when fully ripe but rather bland in taste, from late summer onwards. It is often deciduous in milder areas. |
Sowing and/or growing instructions |
Can be sown indoors or under glass at any time, but fresh seed will germinate more readily so it is recommended to sow on receipt. Scarify seeds with sandpaper, then pour on hot (not boiling) water and soak for 24 hours. Sow in good quality, moist (but not waterlogged) compost, covering with 2-5mm compost. Place in a propagator and maintain a temperature of 26C/79F. Germination is likely to be sporadic, taking anything between 4 weeks to a year. Transplant seedlings as they appear into individual pots and grow on until large enough to plant out, after all danger of frost is has passed, in a position where it can scramble or climb. Passiflora caerulea is usually frost hardy in milder parts of the UK, but may benefit from some protection over winter. These are vigorous plants but can be kept in check by pruning as desired. |