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PASSIFLORA
Commonly known as 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.
Plant Details
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Good to know
oblong-ovoid flavoursome yellow fruit to 8cm (3in) long -
Pests & Diseases
Red spider mites, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale insects, cucumber mosaic virus under glass -
Place of origin
Northern South America. Introduced by Cornish plant hunter William Lobb in the mid 1800s. -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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EvergreenMid-green leaves 10cm (4in) long with heart-shaped bases and 3 broad-toothed lobes.
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Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Pink to coral-pink -
Bowl-shapedPendent, long-tubed, 6-9cm (2½-3½in) across
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Tender (greenhouse & conservatory)
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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-clingingFast-growing tendril climber with moderately branching, slender, downy stems.
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Zero Rated ItemNo VAT on this plant
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Heated greenhouse - warm temperate
Can be grown outside in summer. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 5°C (41°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
Planting Tips and Care Advice
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Garden Location/Conditions
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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Pruning group
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.
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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Soil Conditions
Fertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Sun Requirements
Full sun
Partial shade
Passiflora - Care Guide
