PASSIFLORA
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PASSIFLORA
Commonly known as Red banana passion flower
Tendril climber with a unique structure which requires large bees, humming birds or bats for pollination. Attractive to many butterflies. Some develop false eggs to fool laying insects and some exude fluids which attract ants which predate pests.
Some species, such as the blue passion flower, are extending their range and are at risk of becoming invasive.
Genus of about 450 species of mostly evergreen climbers from tropical woodland mainly in North, Central and South America, and in tropical Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Good to know
Ellipsoid yellow fruit to 10cm (4in) -
Pests & Diseases
Red spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, cucumber mosaic virus. -
Place of origin
Colombia -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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EvergreenFinely-toothed, deeply 3-lobed, mid- to deep-green leaves 10-15cm (4-6in) long.
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Red
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TubularLong-tubed to 14cm (5½in) across
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Greenhouse / conservatoryNot the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winter
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Half hardy (down to 0)
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Height
5m (16ft) or more -
ClimberSome of these climbing plants will need trellis or wire supports if grown on walls or fences. Other grow aerial roots and are self-clingingVigorous tendril climber with slender, branched stems.
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Pruning group 6
Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs or climbers that need little to no pruning.
Action: Trim back shoots that spoil symmetry and to fit available space.
When: Annually after flowering if on previous year's growth, or in later Winter or Spring if flowering on current year's growth, or as requires.
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Pruning group 8
Suitable for: Wall trained shrubs and less vigorous climbers.
Action: For climbers 'spur prune' by cutting back 3-4 buds of the permanent framework. For wall trained shrubs cut back flowered shoots to within 2-4 buds of permanent framework.
When: Annually after flowers if on previous year's growth, or in late Winter or Spring if on current year's growth.
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Tender - cool or frost free greenhouse
Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Fertile well drained soilModerately fertile
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Full sun
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Partial shade
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Passiflora - Care Guide
