Passiflora (Passion-Flower)

Temperature:
50-65 F

One of the most prolific vines you can grow under glass; in fact, if not controlled it will run rampant throughout the greenhouse. Creeping tendrils penetrate the most unlikely places and you may discover, as I did, that it is growing not only inside the greenhouse but outside as well.

In spite of this ambition, the exotic, intricately fashioned flowers are so beautiful you can overlook its vigor. In limited space it can be restrained somewhat when grown as a pot plant. My vine was started from a cutting salvaged from the office wastebasket.

It was rooted in sand and planted directly in the ground at the south end of my greenhouse, in garden soil containing a considerable quantity of coal ashes. Vines start easily from seeds or cuttings in early spring, and bloom continuously until well into cool weather.

Blossoms resemble water-lilies supporting a crown of many filaments surrounding what appear to be three nails. Colors are white, delicate shades of lavender to dark purple, or dark red. When blooming stops, cut plant back to the ground or pot level. If pot-grown, remove and replace about half the soil without disturbing roots. Provide a support at the beginning; tendrils will find their own support as the vine grows.

Flowers last only one day, so cut them early in the morning to enjoy them to their fullest.