Species passion flower
Violet-white flower with purple-white center, lime stigma and anthers, lime-purple style and filaments, lime ovary, purple-white sepals, green leaves and stems, yellow midrib and veins.

passion flower

Passiflora 'Incense'

Passiflora 'Incense' is a stunning specimen of the passion flower species known for its captivating beauty and intoxicating scent. Its deep purple flowers feature a unique, star-shaped structure and its pure white filament fibers are a sight to behold. This hardy plant has delicate but strong climbing tendrils that make it ideal for growing in a variety of ways, either along a fence or as a container plant. It produces fragrant, ivory-colored fruit that has a sweet, citrusy flavor. Plant this exotic, fragrant bloom in a sunny or partially shaded spot and enjoy its lovely scent and colorful beauty for years to come.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 10

Flowers:

Violet with a lighter crown Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Passion flower plants (Passiflora 'Incense') should be watered regularly, but not too much. Aim for about 1-2 inches of water each week, making sure to adjust for the season. During the warmer summer months, the plant may need more frequent watering; whereas in the cooler winter months, it may need less. Be sure to also keep an eye out for wilting leaves - if observed, water as soon as possible. It's best to water the plant directly at the soil level, rather than from overhead.

sunlight

Passion flowers ideally need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for best growth and flowering, however they will still do very well in partial shade or dappled sunlight (as long as the shade is not too dense). Place them in a sunny spot (south-facing) with plenty of light throughout the day (early morning through late afternoon is best) to ensure healthy and abundant growth. Additionally, avoid any frost or cold temperatures which can damage the plant and prevent it from blooming.

pruning

Passion flower (Passiflora 'Incense') is a hardy and fast-growing vine, so it typically needs moderate to heavy pruning to keep it under control. Pruning can be done any time of the year but the best time to prune is usually during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Generally, remove about 1/2 of the growth each season, cutting back the stem to reduce its length. Regular pruning will help to keep the plant neat and encourage more flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Passiflora 'Incense' is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Passiflora 'Incense' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Passiflora 'Incense' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Passiflora 'Incense' is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is the Passion flower an excellent indoor plant?

Yes, the Passion flower is an excellent indoor plant. It is a fast-growing, woody vine that produces beautiful, showy clusters of white and purple flowers. The Passion flower is not difficult to care for and does best in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. It also prefers warm temperatures, making it a great choice for indoor environments. Not only does the Passion flower make a great indoor plant, but it's also known for its beauty and its ability to attract butterflies.

Are Passion flowers hard to grow?

Passion flowers are relatively easy to grow and can be grown with minimal effort. Passion flowers require minimal upkeep and can thrive in most types of soil. With adequate sunlight, water and care, passion flowers can be successfully grown in most climates. They're also not prone to many problems, pests or diseases, making their care easier. That said, passion flowers can be very finicky and must be in perfect conditions in order for them to thrive. If conditions are not ideal, the plants may become stressed and not produce fruit or flowers. Therefore, it is best to research the growing requirements of passion flowers prior to growing them.

Could Passion Flowers be used for landscaping?

Yes, passion flowers are great for landscaping because they add a touch of exotic, tropical beauty to any garden. Additionally, they can grow in a variety of heights and sizes, ranging from small shrubs to creeping vines, making them highly versatile. Passion flowers are also ideal for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden, and they come in a variety of colors and bloom sizes. Finally, some may appreciate how easy they are to care for, as they require little pruning, fertilization, and watering.

Do Passion flowers need a trellis to climb?

Yes, passion flowers do need trellises to climb. This is because passion flowers are climbing vines that need a support structure to attach to. When given the opportunity, passion flowers will use any available support surface to climb and grow, such as trees, shrubs, and metal or wooden trellises. Using a trellis will allow the plant to grow with more structure and can help to keep it from competing with other plants and from taking over your garden. Additionally, trellises will provide the perfect place for passion flower blooms to showcase their beauty and spread their fragrance.

Should I deadhead Passion flowers?

Yes, you should deadhead passion flowers. Deadheading is a method of pruning that involves removing faded blooms to improve the overall look and health of the plant. This will ensure that the plant is able to dedicate its energies to the production of new flowers, instead of wasting them on the production of seed heads. It can also help keep the plant looking neat and tidy, and discourage pests. To deadhead passion flowers, carefully snip individual flower heads off the stems, leaving a few inches of stem above the main plant.

Could Passion flowers be used as a natural dye?

Yes, passion flowers can be used to create natural dyes. Passion flower extracts contain a natural pigment called anthocyanin, which will produce a beautiful range of pink, red and purple colors when used as dye. The extracts produced from the ripened fruit of the plant are particularly rich in anthocyanin and can be used for coloring fabrics, clothes, and even food.

Do Passion flowers attract bees?

Passion flowers do attract bees, because of the flowers' beautiful and fragrant blossoms. Bees are drawn to the bright blooms of the passion flower, thanks to the flower's profuse amounts of nectar. The bee should also be drawn to the passion flower because of the sweet scent emitted from the flowers. Passion flowers also make an excellent source of pollen for the bee, which makes them a great source of protein.

Is the Passion flower plant easy to propagate?

Yes, the Passion flower plant is quite easy to propagate. It can be grown from seed, cuttings, or by layering new plants from existing stems. They can also be propagated by root division, which is usually done when they are already established. When growing from seeds,a warm and moist soil should be used. The cuttings should also be given a moist and warm environment to root properly. When propagating by layering, the existing stems should be buried slightly in the soil, so the roots can form.