Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Passion flower (Passiflora caerulea) is an exotic-looking perennial climber, bearing evergreen, deeply lobed, dark green glossy leaves, from which large white flowers with central filaments of purple, blue and white appear from July to September. These are followed by egg-shaped, orange-yellow fruit. The fruit is edible but not particularly tasty, so is best left for the birds.

Passiflora caerulea is vigorous and extremely fast growing, and will quickly cover a sunny wall or fence. In some situations it can become invasive, however most gardeners will find this a useful, attractive and bee-friendly plant for screening.

How to grow Passiflora caerulea

Grow Passiflora caerulea in moist but well-drained soil against a sheltered wall in full sun to partial shade. Passiflora caerulea is self-clinging but will need a support to climb up, such as a trellis or obelisk. To care for Passiflora caerulea, water regularly in dry weather, feed fortnightly in spring and summer. There's no specific need to prune Passiflora caerulea apart from to tidy wayward tendrils and keep growth in check. Do this in early spring, before growth starts up again. In northern regions you may need to offer winter protection.

Find out more about how to grow and care for passion flowers.

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Advice on buying Passiflora caerulea

  • Always buy seeds and plants from reputable suppliers
  • If buying plants, check them for signs of pests and diseases before planting
  • Ensure you have the right growing conditions for Passiflora caerulea before purchasing

Where to buy Passiflora caerulea

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Passiflora and wildlife

Passiflora is known for attracting bees and beneficial insects. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Passiflora poisonous?

Passiflora causes an upset stomach and is harmful if ingested. Its foliage and roots are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Passiflora caerulea
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