These large, woody rapid growing vines cling to their supports with long tendrils and bear one-half inch to six inch wide flowers in a variety of colors, most commonly in shades of purples and reds, though some bear white, yellow, or blue flowers. The majority of these plants are native to tropical, subtropical, and warmer temperate regions of North and South America.
Passiflora prefer a dormancy period in late fall or winter, although they will continue to grow and many will produce their famous one-day blooms year round. They like to receive four hours or more of sunlight a day - although this may be provided by grow lights. The trick to indoor blooming is to get the light close enough to the plant and bright enough to make it think it's natural light without burning the leaves.
During their flowering and growing periods they prefer moist soil, however allowing them to dry slightly between waterings will not harm the plant. Ideal air conditions would be moist and humid. Passiflora should also be repotted infrequently.
Passiflora can be propogated either by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings are the easiest, with blooms becoming possible within a few months.
Propogation with seed can be difficult, although it can be done with patience.
Varieties of Passiflora include:
• P. Alata (Winged stemmed passion flower) A free flowering variety from Spring till frost. 4-4.5" attractive, sweetly fragrant, carmine-crimson flowers produce a large edible fruit popular in Brazil. This Passiflora loves warm weather, and will not tolerate a frost at all.
• P. Ampullaceae (Cream passion flower) High in the Andes mountains of Ecuador to 13,000 ft., is the native home of this very rare and beautiful vine. It thrives in cooler temperatures from 45-80º F. This Passiflora bears exquisite tubular white flowers about 2" in diameter with cream colored petals.
