Oranjeband® Flowering Climbers Passiflora caerulea

Flowering Climbers Passiflora caerulea (Passiflora caerulea)

The Symbolic Flower

Passion flower is named for the Passion of Christ – early missionaries saw religious symbolism in its complex structure. The ten petals represent the faithful apostles, the corona the crown of thorns, the five stamens the wounds, and the three stigmas the nails.

Hardy Exotic

Blue passion flower is surprisingly cold-hardy – surviving temperatures that would kill tropical passion fruits. In mild climates it is evergreen; in colder areas it dies back but regrows from the roots. It can be grown outdoors in many temperate regions.

The Fruit

This species produces orange fruits after hot summers. The fruits are edible but not as flavorful as tropical passion fruit. They contain many seeds surrounded by a thin layer of sweet-tart flesh.

Growing Tips

Plant in a warm, sheltered spot – against a south-facing wall is ideal. Provide strong support – the vigorous vines can climb 6 meters or more. In cold areas, mulch heavily in winter to protect the roots. Can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors.

Growing Flowering Climbers Passiflora caerulea