Passion Flowers
The passion flower, Passiflora incarnata, is a treasure among flowers – 
it
is at first stunningly exotic, then intoxicatingly beautiful. Adding
this plant to your garden invites butterflies and adds a touch
of mystery. You’ll find yourself monitoring this plant closely,
watching for the newest show of botanical splendor.
History of the Passion Flower
Native to South America and even some areas of the southern parts of
the U.S.A., this vine and its fruits have long been used for food and
herbal remedies. Also called “maypop” and sometimes “apricot vine”,
this plant was first called “passion flower” by Spanish missionaries in
the early 1500s. They used the term “passion” to mean the passion
(suffering) of Christ on the cross. They viewed the flower as full of
Christian symbols – 10 petals for the apostles present at the
crucifixion, purple corona for the crown of thorns, 5 stamens for the
wounds Christ received, leaves for the hands of Christ’s persecutors,
and curling tendrils for binding Christ’s hands and feet.
The
passion flower plant traveled back to Europe with monks and explorers
and soon became a favorite among gardeners. Writers and painters were
easily inspired by its blooms. Today there are hundreds of passion
flower varieties. (Passiflora caerulea is shown in these
photos.) They even grow wild in suitable climates such as in India and
Sri Lanka, thousands of miles away from their native home.
How to Grow the Passion Flower
This vine does well in Zones 6-8. The passion flower can be started
from seed or cuttings. It likes good drainage and fertile soil. Water
regularly. Choose an area with full sun. In really hot areas, afternoon
shade is helpful. Plants can be grown in large pots, too. Whether in
pots or directly in the ground, you must provide something for it to
climb. As it climbs up, it will produce beautiful foliage. When shoots
can hang down, then flower buds will appear. To encourage flowering,
remove fruit and spent blooms.
Plant passion flowers in the early Spring. Look for blooms in August
through early Fall. Freezing winter temperatures will blacken the vine.
Cut back these dead parts in the Spring and apply an all-purpose
fertilizer at this time. If you are growing your passion flower in a
pot, bring it inside in the late Fall (before frost) and keep it in
bright light (not necessarily full sun).
