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| Passiflora | Common name; Passion flower |
An evergreen flowering climber, that is slightly tender thus making it only suitable for sheltered areas.
They require the support of wall fixed wires, trellis or pergolas, as they can grow to a height in excess of 6metres (20ft)
The flowers are about 75mm (3") in diameter and appear from late June through to October.
Some species will produce small yellow edible fruit after flowering.
During the winter months, top growth may be damaged/killed by frost, however new growth will normally grow from the base of the plant to regenerate the plant, (except after the severest of winters)
Indoor culture;
Passifloras are a suitable subject for growing in containers in a greenhouse or conservatory.
Fill 250mm (10") pots/containers (minimum size) with potting compost, equivalent to John Innes potting compost No. 3.
Train them up strings, wires or fan shaped trellis, and along horizontal wires fixed to the ceiling if required.
Give light shading to the glass in summer, and ventilate freely when the temperature exceeds 21°C (70°F).
Water freely in spring and summer, keeping the atmosphere humid by frequent damping down, and syringe the flowers to encourage the fruits to set.
In winter, keep the plants just moist.
Most species will survive at a winter temperature of 8°C(45°F)
Outdoor culture;
Week 11; (this applies to both indoor/outdoor culture) sow seeds in pots/trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 21°C (70°F).
Germination may take up to a month.
Prick out the seedlings, when large enough to handle, 75mm (3") pots and pot on as necessary until the plants are in their final pots.
Week 12; If weather conditions allow, thin out overgrown plants from ground level, and trim lateral shoots back to 150mm (6") from the main stem.
Week 20; Prick out seedlings into 70mm(3") individual pots and grow on until planting out time the following year.
n.b. pot on as necessary!
Week 22; Plant out seedlings sown the previous year in a sheltered site in sun or partial shade, in ordinary, well-drained soil.
As the plant climb, tie in the young growths until the tendrils have taken hold.
Week 30; (this applies to both indoor/outdoor culture) take 75mm (3") long semi-hardwood cuttings
Insert them into pots containing equal parts (by volume) peat and sharp and root at a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F).
When rooted, pot the cuttings singly into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost, and pot on as necessary until the plants are in their final pots.
If planning on growing these cuttings outside, gradually harden them off prior to planting out.
Legend states the Passion flower relates to Christ's Passion (Passing on);
It is said that it was Spanish missionaries when visiting South American countries used the Passion flower to illustrate the story of the crucifixion , it goes as follows;
The three stigmas look very much like nails, and represent the three nails that held Christ to the Cross.
There are five stamens, and these were used to help fix in people's minds that there were five wounds.
The rings of slender filaments in the corona, represents the crown of thorns.
The hand-like leaves and whippy tendrils were the hands and whips of those who scourged him.
There are five petals and five sepals, these represent the apostles who were present at the time.
n.b. Peter and Judas did not attend the crucifixion.
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