The passion flower, a remarkable and unique plant, is native to the southeastern United States. It’s well-known for being a host plant for fritillary butterflies and producing a sweet, edible fruit called may pops. Its vining nature makes it ideal for areas with trellises or fences, adding beauty and charm to any garden.
However, Passiflora incarnata can be vigorous in its growth. When planted in favorable conditions, it tends to spread rapidly, which may not suit gardeners who prefer a low-maintenance space. Its ability to take over nearby beds can become a challenge. Despite this, its captivating summer blooms make it a worthwhile addition to your garden, and many gardeners fall in love with its allure.
Exploring the Passionflower Vine
Scientifically known as Passiflora incarnata, the purple passion vine goes by many names, including purple passion flower, holy trinity flower, apricot vine, and may pops. It’s a perennial vine that can grow up to 20 feet or more, and its beautiful, three-inch-wide flowers, with their five striking petals and purple fringe, are hard to miss. Its fragrant blooms resemble carnations, making it a delightful sensory experience in the garden.
The plant produces fruits, known as may pops, which ripen to a yellow hue in the summer. These fruits are about two inches in size and have a flavor similar to guava. When they are ready to eat, they naturally fall from the vine in late summer.
The leaves of the passion flower are large, reaching five to six inches, and have serrated edges. They feature three to five lobes and alternate along the stem. Passiflora incarnata thrives on structures to climb, such as fences or trellises, and is a great plant for those looking to attract butterflies. It serves as a host for both Gulf Fritillary and Variegated Fritillary butterflies and provides valuable forage for carpenter bees in its native range.
While Passiflora incarnata is often confused with other species, such as Passiflora caerulea, P. edulis, and P. quadrangularis (the giant granadilla), it remains distinct in its fruit and leaf shapes. Although many Passiflora species bear edible fruit, those of P. edulis and P. caerulea are preferred due to their larger size and availability.
Growing Passion Fruit
If your goal is to grow passion fruit, it’s essential to identify the specific species of passionflower you have. For example, Passiflora biflora is considered invasive in Florida, so it’s better to choose non-invasive species like P. incarnata or P. edulis. Though P. incarnata spreads rapidly, it isn’t technically invasive. To keep it manageable, regular pruning in accessible areas is recommended.
Significance and History
Originating from the southeastern U.S., the passion flower has also been naturalized in Central and South America. The plant holds spiritual significance in Christianity, symbolizing elements of Christ’s Passion. Its spiked appearance represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, while the five petals and sepals are said to represent the ten faithful apostles.
Passion flowers have been used in herbal medicine for centuries, primarily as a sleep aid, though the FDA later removed it from commercial sale due to questions about its effectiveness. Nonetheless, Passiflora species are important to pollinator-friendly gardens, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Incorporating this fascinating vine into your garden offers not only visual beauty but also environmental benefits, making it a plant worth considering for those who appreciate nature’s wonders.
