Passion flower?
Question:hi,just been given a passion flower.wheres the best place to plant it in my garden.sunny or shadey?
Answers:
Hi, there is a range of Passion Flowers that are now sold, each requiring differing conditions. I understand that there are over 300 varieties grown, many of them hybrids.
You'll need to take care, as most of them are not that hardy, suffering from frost damage and dieing etc. It would be helpful to know which one that you have. As there are so many, it may be hard to study photos and pick-out the type that you have.
They all typically love sun, though benefit from a good mix of sand in their soil - you can always add some sharp grit, to improve drainage. Good drainage helps the plant to form a good root system, which helps protect it, if there are sharp winters. especially when a young plant.
Aim to look for a microclimate, where there is good sun and warmth is abundant, such as on a south facing wall.
The 'common' Passion flower, Passiflora caerulea, is sold widely and has whitish petals and a blue corrolla, or inner flower parts. It's hardy to about -8C.
This is probably the one that you have, although some less hardy purple flowered, or other coloured Passion Flowers are often to be found for sale.
Here's a photo of this plant:
http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/pass_cae.
There is a cross between this species Passion Flower called 'Eden', after the famous Eden Project, in Cornwall, England. It has a slight fragrance, and slightly different colourings. It is probably not quite so hardy, due to its parentage.
Otherwise, growth requirements will depend on the species (original unique plant) or bred variety that you've got. Many of them will require a conservatory to provide the winter warmth that they need. You might manage to grow in a tub, bringind inside for winter protection. They all love good sun and warmth.
Here's a link to a small selection of the available types, in flower:
http://www.passiflora-uk.co.uk/shop/seed...
If you can determine which type you've got, from plant labels etc, then we can help you more specifically. But, in answer to your question, 'sunny or shadey' go for sunny.
Good luck! Rob
They like sun and really awful clay soil. Pick a spot where the vine can grow and overtake your house, no I mean mailbox.
Plant it against something it can use to climb. They are really good climbers and once established, you can take cuttings and plant more to cover large areas.
They love sun, poor soil is not a problem, and are drought tollerant once established.
They thrive in full sun. You can either grow them against a solid wall or fence, or let them grow through other tall woody shrubs that flower at a different time. Don't be tempted to eat the fruit though!
My passion flower is now four years old, is planted in sandy soil, in full sun against a 6ft fence which has hawthorn growing behind and above it. The first year of planting, it grew upwards and sent out a couple of extra tendrils but didn't flower. The second year it grew higher and I was able to tie the new tendrils to wires pinned on the fence and guide it outwards as well as upwards. It produced 12 flowers.
Last year, it grew to the top of the fence and trailed over the hawthorn hedge, and outwards, covering about 8ft. There were approx. sixty blooms.
This year, it has already spread outwards to cover around 12ft of fencing and it is covered in buds - I lost count at 200 and there are more developing. I can't wait!
So, after a slow start, this plant (which I bought from Morrison's), suddenly took off and is now galloping. I have never pruned it at all - I water it with rainwater and give it a phostrogen feed, once a week, as soon as the flowers start to open. It was well worth the £3.99.
let it grow against the fence or wall it love the sun . it can creep up where ever you want,
Don't. There are a lot of passion flower that won't live outside through the winter if you get hard frost.
Please let us know the species to find out how hardy it is.
Please feel free to email me for any further advice.
passion flower likes sun, they also like to be around other climbers such as clematis, honeysuckle or jasmine so plant one next to it and let them entwine, it will come on a treat, good luck
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