FEATURESTORY
Passifloraceae are a
Great Greenhouse Plant
Common Name: Passion Flowers
Light: High light with at least 4 hours of sun
each day.
Best Temperature: 60ºF (16ºC) or warmer.
Water and Humidity: Keep the soil moist while
plants are growing and reduce watering in the fall
and winter.
Growing Guidelines: Use all-purpose soil mix
and replace the top 2 inches of soil every year. Fer-
tilize passion flowers twice a month from spring to
summer.
Common Problems: The flower buds may drop
if they are not receiving enough light.
Propagation: Stem cuttings or seeds.
Additional Comment: Hand pollination is usu-
ally required to get fruit production on some vines.
Fun Facts
Nine out of about 400 passionflower plants (Pas-
siflora spp.) grow in the United States, where they
June 2018
thrive in plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. The
exotic flowers attract a number of butterflies and in-
sects. Passionflowers need filtered full sun or partial
shade to produce the best flowers.
Passion Flowers measure about 3 inches in di-
ameter and are commonly red, purple, blue, pink,
white or variegated. The exotic passionflower fea-
tures five sepals, five petals, two thin rings above the
reproductive organs, five stamens, three stigmas and
three leaves. These features have been used since the
1500s as symbols in Christianity to tell the story of
Christ’s crucifixion, which is commonly referred to as
“The Passion.”
The fruit of Passion Flower may be eaten fresh or
used in teas, which is said to alleviate stress and anxi-
ety. In tropical climates the Passion Flower blooms
throughout the year. Blue Passion Flowers are attrac-
tive to butterflies, bees and birds.
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