Passiflora alata
winged stem passion flower
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, or large pots filled with loam-based compost
- Rate of growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: May to August
- Hardiness: half hardy (must have winter protection)
Attractive (mainly) evergreen foliage forms a lush backdrop for the fragrant flowers, which are a stunning mix of red, purple and white. They appear over a long period from late spring, and are followed by ovoid yellow fruits, which can be eaten when fully ripe. It will be happiest when trained against a very sheltered, south-facing wall - or grown in a large pot and kept in a conservatory or greenhouse. - Garden care: Water freely during the growing season, but cut back in winter. Keep frost free in winter (they prefer temperatures no lower than 5°C) and remove dead, misplaced or overcrowded stems in spring.
- Humans/Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten