This climber is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  The exotic-looking flowers of this unusual passion flower can grow up to 10cm across, and each is made up of a circle of slender tepals (petals), a showy ruff of purple and white fillaments and a central greenish yellow stalk. Still quite rare in the UK, they can be grown in a sunny, sheltered spot, where even when not in bloom, the rich green foliage will provide cover.
  
  
• Garden care: Choose three to five of the strongest shoots, tying them in to horizontal wires. Once the plant is established, cut back the flowered shoots immediately after flowering to within two or three buds of the permanent framework of the plant. In spring remove dead, misplaced or overcrowded stems. Protect from hard or prolonged frosts, or grow in a large pot that can be moved to a sheltered spot in winter.