John&Jacq~s Garden

Passiflora incarnata, a floriferous and captivating vine

Passiflora incarnata (Maypop, Purple/True Passionflower)

A captivating and enduring vine which is floriferous.

We have never grown Passiflora incarnata but have enjoyed growing Passiflora edulis and delighting in its edible and refreshing fruits.

We first saw these gorgeously flowering vine in abundance at a garden nursery in Jalan Sungei Buloh, Selangor.

That was in 2007, about nine years ago. Unbelievable, right?

I thought it would be lovely to share the lovely photos of them from my photo archives and write an article on it.

It is the State of Tennessee wildflower.

Plant Profile, Culture and Propagation :

• Botanical Name: Passiflora incarnata.
• Common Names: Maypop, Purple/True Passionflower.
• Family name: Passifloraceae.
• Etymology: The genus name Passiflora, means Passion Flower in English. The name was instituted by the Spanish Christian missionaries to South America who interpreted various structures of the plant as symbolic of the last days of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion..
• Origin: Native to southeastern United States.
• Plant type: An ornamental and perennial vine.
• Features: Passiflora incarnata is a one of the most showiest species belonging to the genus Passiflora that consists of over 400 species. A fast-growing perennial with climbing or trailing stems to assist its growth to 2.4-3.7 m in height.
  The vine will be covered with large serrated leaves, measuring 13-15 cm in length.
  Typically, they have three to five lobes and are arranged alternately on the stem with flowers and branches emerging from the axil.
  The showy flowers are made up of ten white tepals that are arranged in shallow bowl that is fringed with purple and white filaments, known as the corona.In the centre is the white fleshy stigma that is surrounded by five stamens.These fleshy fruit known as Maypop will eventually develop into yellow fruits and turn orange as they mature.
  Their size is that of a small egg that contain juicy and seedy pulp, similar to that of Passiflora edulis. They are pollinated by insects such as the bumblebees and carpenter bees, and are self-sterile.

• Culture (Care): Passiflora incarnata or Purple Passionflower grows easily with least maintenance.
  Light:  Full sun to semi-shade. Best flowering in full sun.
  Moisture: Moderate water requirement. In hot season, water regularly for optimum growth.
  Soil:  Best to grow in organic-enriched, loamy and well-drained soils. Known to be drought tolerant.
  Others: Remove sun-burnt leaves and withered flowers to keep it tidy. Feed it fortnightly with a balanced foliage and flowering fertiliser. Generally free from serious garden pests and diseases, though may be devastated by caterpillars.
  For subtropical and temperate regions: Hardiness: USDA Zone 7 to 11.
  Passiflora indicarnata dies back to the ground in winter but recovers in spring when properly mulched.
  It can survive winter freezes. It can be grown throughout the year in containers and overwinter indoors before the frost approaches.

• Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.

• Usage: Passiflora incarnata or Purple Passionflower is an excellent ornamental vine for any garden. Most ideal as an ornamental or landscape plant and can be grown in the ground, pots or raised planters to ensure some privacy.
  Use Maypop vines on fences, trellises or allow it to climb over shrubs and trees. Plant the Maypop if you’re a nature lover to attract butterflies. Read more about its traditional and culinary uses in the Wikipedia link below.

Other external links:

• Wikipedia
• Floridata
• University of Florida IFAS Extension

Tags: flowering plants, green, perennials, purple, vines