Multi-Colored (Fragrant and showy (4" dia.) with 5 whitish petals and sepals surmounted with a corona of blue-violet filaments, then 5 green-yellow stamens; summer)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Spring/summer)

Fruit Notes:

Orange (Egg-sized deep orange fruits; edible with a vaguely blackberry-like flavor; late summer)

Ultimate Height:

10-25 feet

Ultimate Spread:

3-6 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Loose sandy or gravelly well-drained soil

Range:

Brazil and Argentina

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Alternate, shiny leaves 4-7" long and wide, with from 3 to 9 palmate lobes, but typically 5 lobes. The base of each leaf has a flagellate twining tendril 2-5" long, which twines round supporting vegetation to hold the plant up.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 355

Fragrant Flowers 196

Fruiting Characteristics 188

Food/Edible 89

Fast Growth Rate 229

Wall Climber 15

Additional Information

This is one of the hardiest passion flowers, dying back in colder climates, but hardy to 10 degrees F. (It is suspected that the specimen at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (USDA zone 5a), is kept alive in the winter by the heat radiated from the greenhouses and building it is planted near.) Plant is evergreen in tropical environments. Extraordinary flowers and tasty, edible fruits (passion fruit). Prefers loose sandy or gravelly soil that is well drained. Too much compost will produce more foliage and less flowers. Attracts lots of butterflies. Subject to a wide variety of pests and diseases, most of which have minimal impact. However, butterfly larvae will defoliate a plant if not controlled.