As a native North American species, I, Passiflora incarnata, am supremely adapted to the conditions of many American gardens. My roots are deep and rhizomatous, allowing me to survive cold winters that would be fatal to my tropical cousins. Even if my above-ground vines die back to the ground in USDA zones 5-9, I will vigorously re-sprout from my root system in spring, earning me the name "Maypop." My leaves are three-lobed, a classic passionflower shape, and I produce intricate, fragrant flowers with white petals and a purple corona. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plant that can handle neglect and colder climates, I am the ideal candidate. I will readily spread to form a dense cover, so provide me with space to roam.
I am Passiflora edulis, the most famous species for fruit production. While my two main varieties, the purple and yellow fruited forms, originate from South America, I can thrive in the warmer, frost-free regions of the American South (USDA zones 9-11). My cultivation is primarily for my delicious, juicy fruit, though my white and purple flowers are also attractive. I require full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture during the growing season. I am not frost-tolerant at all; a single hard freeze will kill me. Furthermore, I am a vigorous but specific vine; I need a strong support structure and often require hand-pollination in garden settings to ensure a good fruit set, making me a more hands-on choice for the dedicated gardener.
If your primary desire is stunning visual impact, I, Passiflora caerulea, am a top contender. Hailing from southern Brazil and Argentina, I am known for my profusion of large, striking flowers. My blooms feature white sepals, blue-white filaments, and a central structure of deep blue-purple. I am moderately hardy, tolerating brief dips into the low 20s Fahrenheit (USDA zones 7-10), and may die back in colder winters only to return from the roots. I am an extremely fast-growing vine, quickly covering arbors and fences with my deeply lobed, dark green foliage. While I do produce orange egg-shaped fruits, they are bland and insipid. My purpose is beauty, and I excel at it with minimal fuss beyond a sunny spot and occasional pruning.
For gardeners in truly frost-free areas (USDA zones 10-11), I, Passiflora ‘Alata’, offer something extraordinary. My common name is the winged-stem passionflower due to the distinctive four-angled (winged) stems I grow. My most remarkable feature is my flowers: they are large, with deep red petals and a dramatically contrasting purple, white, and red corona. As night falls, I release an intense, sweet fragrance that is simply unforgettable. I am a tropical species, requiring high humidity, warm temperatures, and protection from any chill. My fruit is also edible and quite tasty. I represent a more exotic, demanding, but incredibly rewarding choice for the American gardener in the deepest South or those who can provide a sheltered microclimate or greenhouse environment.
