Last updated on January 14th, 2024 at 08:51 am
Passion Vine Care and where to plant (Passiflora caerulea). Also called the Passion flower and the Maypop plant, why because the blooms pop in May. There are many passion vines but this one is an excellent vine to plant in your garden and will do well in and around the Southwest.
It is native to Mexico and South America where there is plenty of sun and heat. It can tolerate shade but needs at least 6 hrs. of sunlight for good growth and blooms.
A herbaceous woody plant produces showy flowers, especially in the middle of the flower called the corona. It is a vigorous grower and can quickly reach 35 ft. in no time at all. So, think carefully about where you will plant this vine.
It does well in and around the Southwest U.S. and can tolerate poor soil. But best to use good loamy well-drained potting soil. It can withstand temperatures down to (-10°C). Loves full sun but some shade during the summer months will also work great.
Furthermore, it also produces good-tasting fruit around late summer. The fruit turns somewhat wrinkly and purple this is when you know it’s ready to harvest. It is best to wait a few days before actually eating the fruit it will taste much better if you wait a few days after harvesting the fruit.
A very hardy plant that will go dormant during the winter months in colder regions. Additionally, it is Semi-evergreen almost everywhere else in the continental USA.
The Passion Vine is hardy to USDA zone 6.
Where to plant The Passion Vine
Almost anywhere, you can. It is a vine that produces tendril stems that will cling to almost any wall, trellis, or fence. You can also place them in pots that drain well it’s important to make sure you use good loamy potting mix and water more often during the mid-summer southwestern heat.
Additionally, it is a great vine to use on trellises, arbors, and fences. You could also use it as a ground cover in shady spots. This Vine is easy to shape and prune to the size you want. See the image below.
A vine that produces edible fruit
The fruit on this vine is edible and tastes a little like figs but somewhat bland. Some folks use the pulp for jams and jelly.
Problems with Passion Vines
(Passiflora spp.) Best to keep your eye on beetles, worms, spider mites, and aphids. At the first sign of insects attacking this plant, you will have to act quickly. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill these pests ASAP. For worms, I would highly recommend using Thuricide (BT). BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) is an organic product that is sprayed on worms.
Black or brown spots on the foliage mean it has a fungus or fungal disease. Neem oil is an all-around product that can remove fungal diseases and insects. The fungus occurs in areas where there is lots of moisture either through mother nature or human watering techniques.
See more Vines over at – Southwestern Vines for Landscaping.
Another great vine is the Bougainvillea flowering plant.
