passion fruit
edible-fruited passion flower - Passiflora edulis
Spectacular, bowl-shaped white flowers 10cm (4”) across, with symbolic thorn-shaped stamens, a halo of white sepals and crowned with white coronal filaments, stained a deep purple towards the base.
The egg-shaped, edible purple fruits of this tender, vigorous climber contain sweet orange pulp and black seeds, ripening after a reliably long and warm summer.
A native of tropical and sub-tropical regions in Brazil, it 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.
The egg-shaped, edible purple fruits of this tender, vigorous climber contain sweet orange pulp and black seeds, ripening after a reliably long and warm summer.
A native of tropical and sub-tropical regions in Brazil, it 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.
How to care for Passiflora edulis:
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
8m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Frost tender
-
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.
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