Passiflora caerulea

Passiflora caerulea

Why Buy Me?

• Vigorous climber
• Stunning flower heads
• Great for wildlife

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering. Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be reduced in dense shade.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions, which may lead to root rot.

Exposure:
Ideal for warm, sheltered positions such as south- or west-facing walls, fences, trellises, arches, or pergolas. Benefits from protection against cold winds and frost. Suitable for containers in colder regions where it can be overwintered indoors.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during dry periods and during flowering. Once established, tolerates occasional dry spells, but performs best with consistent moisture.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in early autumn in mild climates. Spring planting allows the vine to establish before winter.

Spacing:
Space 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) apart if planting multiple vines. Grows 6–9 m (20–30 ft) tall with support, making it ideal for covering large vertical surfaces.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly, especially during dry weather and flowering season. Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. A second application in midsummer may prolong blooming.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply mulch in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning Group 10:
Prune in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead, weak, or tangled growth, and reduce size to shape. In colder areas, cut back frost-damaged stems to healthy wood.

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Can also be grown from seed, although seedlings may take several years to flower.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New foliage emerges with vigorous shoot growth. Flower buds begin forming in late spring.

Summer:
Masses of exotic, fragrant flowers bloom from midsummer to early autumn. Flowers are typically 8–10 cm wide with white petals, blue and purple corona filaments, and a unique central structure. Occasional small orange fruits may develop if pollinated.

Autumn:
Flowering may continue into early autumn. In mild climates, glossy green foliage persists late into the season. Fruit ripens if pollination occurred.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen in mild climates; deciduous or frost-damaged in colder areas. In colder regions, stems may die back but regrow from the base in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its showy, nectar-rich flowers. Fruits are occasionally eaten by birds and small mammals. Dense foliage provides seasonal cover for insects and small birds.

Garden Use:
A striking climber for sunny walls, fences, pergolas, arches, and trellises. Adds exotic beauty to cottage gardens, Mediterranean-style gardens, or wildlife-friendly spaces. Also suitable for containers in colder climates—move indoors or into a greenhouse during winter.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with other climbers like Clematis, Trachelospermum jasminoides, or Lonicera. Complements subtropical-looking plants such as Cannas, Salvias, Phormiums, and Fatsia japonica. Underplant with groundcovers or herbaceous perennials to shade the roots.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Passiflora caerulea. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.