Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)


Passionflower Plant Features

Passionflower is one of the most exotic flowering vines available. It's a fast-growing tropical prized for its tolerance to heat and humidity. There's also a wealth of varieties available; you can find passionflowers that bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, orange, white, and even yellow. Most types love full sun, but there are varieties that prefer some shade in the heat of the afternoon.

Grow this heat-loving tropical in containers or beds and borders. In the North, it's a stunning container-garden plant to grow on a trellis or against a wall. It also thrives as an annual in the landscape. In the South, passionflower is a perennial vine that's evergreen in frost-free climates. It's lovely by itself, paired with other vines, or you can grow some varieties through large shrubs. 

Note: Many passionflower varieties are host plants for certain species of butterflies. The butterflies love the flowers and caterpillars can voraciously eat the foliage. Because of their fast growth, you can allow the caterpillars to munch away on the plant; the passionflower will usually keep up. 

You can also grow passionflower as a houseplant, using it to create lots of interest on a sunny windowsill. 

Passionflower Questions? No problem! Our tropical-plant experts are happy to help. Just send us an email!

Passionflower Growing Instructions

Because different varieties of passionflowers like different conditions, it's best to read the plant tag for specifics. In general, however, grow passionflowers in a spot with full sun. The vines can tolerate shade, but the more they're shaded, the less these tropicals flower.

Water passionflowers when the soil starts to dry out. Many are native to dry, rocky soil and don't like to be constantly wet. However, because they grow so fast, they can use a lot of water -- so you may need to water them regularly, especially if you grow them in containers. 

Fertilize passionflowers once or twice a year with a general-purpose plant food. The best time to fertilize is in spring and summer, when they're actively growing. If you want your plants to grow faster, you can fertilize more often; just be sure to follow the instructions on the plant food package. 

If your passionflower grows bigger than you'd like, you can prune it back at any time. 

Note: Passionflower is a gorgeous plant, but it's not intended for human or animal consumption. 
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Blue

    Green

    Orange

    Pink

    Purple

    Red

    Variegated

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Fragrant flowers/foliage

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Passionflower

Mandevilla
Mandevilla is another heat-loving tropical vine that grows well with passionflower.

Jasmine
Jasmine is a lovely, easy-to-grow vine that looks great with passionflower.


Our favorite varieties

Lavender Lady Passionflower

Lavender Lady Passionflower

Passiflora 'Lavender Lady'

A top tropical vine, Lavender Lady passionflower shows off intricate violet flowers all summer long. It can climb to 12 feet or more. Zone 10, but often treated as an annual or houseplant in colder areas.