Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) is an evergreen, woody vine that can grow to 25 meters high where supporting trees are available. The leaves are dark green, with 5-7 finger-like lobes. The white and purple-blue flowers which appear in summer may be as large as 4 inches across. The fruit is an oval orange-yellow berry, 6 cm long by 4 cm in wide, containing numerous seeds. It is edible to humans when ripe, but tends to have an undesirable flavor.
Scientific Name: Passiflora caerulea
Common Name: Blue passionflower, Bluecrown passionflower, Passion flower, blue crown passionfruit, passion vine.
How to grow and maintain Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea):
Light:
It thrives best in full sunlight to partial shade. At least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. It does best in a south-facing room, sunroom or greenhouse.
Soil:
It grows well in well-drained, loose sandy or gravelly soils.
Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.
Temperature:
It prefers a temperature between 55°F – 60°F / 13°C – 16°C at nights and 70°F – 75°F / 21°C – 24°C days. To ensure blooming, give your plant slightly cooler nighttime temperatures.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize once a month spring through fall with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Do not feed in winter.
Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed or cutting. Take 15 cm stem tip cuttings in summer and root in moist potting mix.
Humidity:
It requires moist air. Set pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist leaves daily with room-temperature water.
Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for red spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, cucumber mosaic virus.
Edible Uses:
- The unripe fruits are cooked, whilst the ripe fruits are eaten raw or made into a refreshing drink.
- A tea can be made of the flower which is said to alleviate stress and anxiety.
