Passionflower

The Passiflora plant is a member of the Passionflower family. This genus includes about 500 different species. Passion flower vines, simple in appearance, form unusual exotic flowers, which attracts many flower growers.

Passionflower is predominantly found in the American tropics, but some species can be found in other parts of the world. Initially, the Europeans called the amazing flower brought to them in the 16th century "granadilla" or "little pomegranate". The modern name of the plant appeared about half a century later and was associated with biblical traditions. The elements of the flower were considered as a symbolic designation of the Passion of Christ, therefore "passion flower" can be translated as "flower of passion (suffering)." The Russian version of the plant's name - passion flower - is precisely a translation from Latin. Along with this, some types of flower are compared with a cavalier's star. In a number of countries, passionflower is also known as the "clock plant".

Description of passionflower

Passiflora are in the form of grasses or shrubs with climbing shoots up to several tens of meters in length. They can be both annual and perennial. Lianas have woody shoots and bright green foliage, whole or lobed. Domestic specimens reach a length of about 0.5-3 m. During the flowering period, large (up to 10 cm in diameter) flowers appear on the stems in the leaf axils in the form of a brightly colored star. They have 5 petals and 5 sepals similar to them. Between the stamens and the perianth, there are rows of bright filamentous formations - they are called the crown. In the center of the flower there are three stigmas and stamens with large anthers.

From passionflower it will not work to form a familiar bush or use it as an ampelous species. But their shoots with clues can be reinforced on supports. Some plant species are considered decorative deciduous. So tricolor passionflower, blooming not too luxuriantly, is started for the sake of spectacular foliage. In addition, this species, unlike most others, is considered more shade tolerant.

Brief rules for growing passionflower

The table shows brief rules for caring for passionflower at home.

Passiflora care at home

Like any indoor flower, passionflower assumes compliance with the basic growing conditions. So the bush will be able to bloom and bear fruit regularly. In nature, it grows very quickly, but when in a pot, the pace of development becomes slower. Taking proper care of passionflower at home will help correct the growth retardation of the flower.

Lighting

Passionflower requires bright lighting, the plant is not afraid of even direct (but not too scorching) rays. It is recommended to keep it on any windows except the northern ones. On the south side, the liana is only slightly shaded in summer. Passionflower cannot grow in the shade, and even partial shade can affect the abundance of its flowering. But over the winter, the bush gradually gets used to the decreasing daylight hours, so in spring its foliage should be protected from the bright sun until the plant adapts to it again. The lack of light in winter can be compensated for with lamps, but natural light is preferable for plants.

For a flower pot, a place is selected that will be convenient to ventilate - passionflower prefers fresh air, but does not like cold drafts. In the summer, the plant can be transferred to the street or to the balcony. There, a sunny and warm corner is chosen for a flower.

Temperature

In summer, passionflower is kept warm - about 25 degrees. In winter, cool conditions are preferred - about 15 degrees. Sharp changes should be avoided, otherwise the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry, and the number of buds will sharply decrease. Cold-hardy species can be grown outdoors from 3 years of age. Before that, they are transferred to the garden in containers, taking them into the house with the arrival of cold weather.

Watering

The tropical passionflower prefers moist soil, so water should be abundant, up to several times a week as the soil dries. In winter, if the flower is cool, the number of waterings is gradually reduced to once every 7-10 days. Waterlogging can lead to the development of diseases, therefore, the watering schedule must be observed, always watering the plant in moderation, but not letting the earth dry out completely. Excess water is poured from the pan.

Humidity level

Passionflower needs periodic spraying. It is carried out during periods of particularly intense heat and dry air, as well as in winter if the bush is located near the batteries. To do this, use soft settled water at room temperature. To increase the humidity level, you can also practice other methods: for example, placing the pot on a tray with damp pebbles so that the bottom of the container does not come into contact with water. Low humidity can lead to the development of diseases, as well as to the dropping of buds. But the water should not get on the flowers.

Spraying is carried out in the evening so that the sun's rays do not fall on the leaves. From time to time, you can arrange a passionflower shower, but this should be done with caution so as not to break the shoots.

Pot selection

Pots for planting passionflower are chosen based on the size of the bush. The new container may be 3-5 cm larger than the old one.The bushes bloom most abundantly in large and tall pots of at least 20 cm in diameter, but you should not choose too spacious a container for them. Adult passionflower can not be disturbed and simply replace the top 5 cm of soil in their capacity.

The soil

Passionflower is not too demanding on the composition of the soil and grows well in almost any moderately heavy and fertile soil that has a reaction from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. For example, a mixture of peat with sand, turf and leafy soil works well. You can also use ready-made substrates - passionflower can be grown in the ground for begonias or citrus fruits. In nature, passiflora live on a fairly poor soil, therefore, an overly nutritious soil can lead to the growth of shoots to the detriment of flowering. A drainage layer is laid at the bottom of the container, and charcoal is added to the substrate. In addition, the bushes will need support: climbing stems must cling to something.

Top dressing

Passionflower should be fertilized throughout the entire growth period - from March to September. Top dressing is carried out every 10-15 days, using organic or mineral compounds. You can apply a reduced dose of mineral supplements once a week. In order not to burn the roots, fertilizing is carried out after watering. In winter, feeding is not carried out. An exception is also made for plants that have recently been moved to a new location, and specimens that have not yet recovered from the disease.

Transfer

Passionflower is planted or transplanted in the spring. When planting, the bush should not be too deep - this will have a bad effect on the rate of flower development. They try not to destroy the soil lump. The planted plants are placed in greenhouse conditions, covered with a bag or jar. Such a shelter should be removed only 2 weeks after disembarkation, but it is periodically raised for ventilation.

Perennial passionflower need annual transplants. Before that, pruning is carried out - all shoots of the bush are shortened by about a third.

Pruning

Passion flower bushes, which are already a year old, are pruned - flowers develop only on fresh shoots, so this helps to stimulate flowering. In the future, this procedure is carried out no more than once a year. The best time for her is spring, when the plant resumes growth after winter rest.

Strong and sturdy skeletal shoots should not be removed. Dry or diseased branches, faded stems (they are shortened by a third), as well as shoots that thicken the bush are subject to removal. Pinch young shoots. All sections on the branches after the procedure must be cauterized with a solution of potassium permanganate. After pruning, the bush should spend a couple of weeks in partial shade.

For flowering, the shoots of passionflower should be directed upwards, therefore they are fixed on reliable supports and lightly tied with soft ropes, without pulling the stems.

Bloom

Passionflower flowers are often very fragrant, but they do not stay on the plant for long - about a day. The beauty of the plant is provided by their number. Some species bloom at night, while others bloom in the morning, opening together at about the same time. On cloudy days, the flowers can sometimes remain closed. Flowering lasts from July to mid-autumn. After it, some species bear edible sweet and sour fruits - passion fruit. Unlike many exotic plants, most passionflower species are able to bear fruit successfully even at home, although sometimes this requires several copies of such plants.

Breeding methods for passionflower

You can propagate passionflower using cuttings or seeds.

Cuttings

In the spring, when passionflower forms fresh shoots, the shoots left over from pruning can be used for cuttings. For this, parts of branches with 3 internodes are used. The lower cut is made, stepping back from the kidney by 5 cm. All sections are treated with a root formation stimulator, and then the cuttings are planted in containers filled with light nutritious soil. Drainage must be laid at the bottom.

The stalk is planted in a pre-prepared hole. It is done with a pencil or stick, piercing the ground to the very drain. The seedlings are buried so that the foliage starts at about ground level. The planted plant is watered and covered with a bag or film. Once a day, the shelter is removed for a few minutes, allowing the flower to air. At a temperature of about 20 degrees and high soil moisture, roots should form within 3-4 weeks. After that, the bush is gradually weaned from the shelter. When the young plant is even better rooted and stronger, it is transplanted into a permanent pot. In the first winter, such passion flowers do not leave for rest, so they can be kept warm.

You can also root cuttings in water. The cut is immersed in a glass of water, to which activated carbon has been added, and kept there until the roots form, and then planted in a suitable soil. But in this case, the roots will form for about a couple of months.

Growing from seeds

Passion flower seeds should be sown in March. Although you can collect seeds from your own plants, purchased ones are often used - sometimes they differ in a high percentage of germination. The germination process is long enough and does not guarantee the result. Even in fresh seeds, germination is low - about 30%, while in last year's seeds it decreases by about 3 times. Before sowing, the seed coat must be broken to stimulate germination. You can rub them a little with sandpaper. Soaking will help to select the most viable seed. The seeds are immersed in warm water for about 2 days. It can be replaced with milk or citrus juice. The emerged seeds will not sprout, and the rest can be planted. Sometimes hydrogen peroxide is used for processing: seeds are immersed in it for a couple of minutes, kept in distilled water for about a day. This procedure both helps to break the seed shell and contributes to its disinfection. Another way is to place the seeds in a jar with a weak solution of peroxide (50 drops per 0.1 L of water) and hold them there for about a week.

For seedlings, a mixture of turf and garden soil is used. The seeds are laid out on the substrate, without sprinkling, but slightly pressing them into the ground, and then watering is carried out. After sowing, the container is covered with foil and placed in diffused light at a temperature of about 22-24 degrees. High humidity is the main condition for germination. After the emergence of shoots, the shelter is removed. With the formation of the first true leaves, passion flowers dive into their own pots with fresh soil. But the germination process can take several months.

Diseases and pests

The moisture-loving nature of passionflower often leads to unwanted overflows. If the soil does not have time to dry out between waterings, the roots of the plant may begin to rot. Another possible danger of waterlogging is the development of fungal diseases. In this case, spots appear on the leaves of passionflower, and the bush itself withers. Such a plant must be treated with a fungicide, as well as its watering must be adjusted. If the root or stem of passionflower has already begun to rot, you can save the plant by rooting healthy cuttings.

Some infectious diseases (scab, root rot) are considered incurable. The affected bushes will have to be destroyed in order to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.

The succulent leaves of the bush often attract flower pests. Interestingly, in nature, some passionflower are able to scare away caterpillars. On their flowers, glands have developed that resemble clutches of pest butterflies. Noticing such a pseudo-clutch, butterflies fly around the plant side. But at home or in the garden, bushes can become the target of aphids, scale insects or spider mites. A plant affected by sucking insects withers and loses its attractiveness. They most often appear on weakened plants in hot and dry weather. Treatment with soapy water followed by rinsing helps with many pests. If there are too many of them, it is necessary to apply an insecticide or acaricide.In order not to bring insects into the house when buying a flower, it is carefully examined, and then kept in quarantine for some time.

Sometimes the loss of decorativeness or problems with the development of passionflower are associated with mistakes in flower care. The reason should be sought in violation of growing conditions.

• If the buds on the bushes do not bloom, the plant lacks nutrients.
• Buds fall off due to dry air, insufficiently high temperature or the appearance of pests.
• Yellowing or drying of foliage can be associated with a sharp change in temperature. But sometimes passionflower sheds part of the foliage during the dormant period. In the spring, it is replaced by fresh growth.
• The tips of the leaves dry out due to insufficient humidity or occasional watering.
• Foliage curling is caused by too low temperature.
• The slowdown in growth and thinning of the shoots are associated with a lack of lighting and nutrition.

Types and varieties of passionflower with photos and names

Of the many types of passionflower, the following species and varieties are most often grown at home.

Passionflower blue (Passiflora caerulea)

This Hispanic species is most common in home floriculture and is also known as the Cavalier Star. The height of this passion flower in nature is about 9 m. Passiflora caerulea blooms in spring. At this time, variegated flowers 5-10 cm in size form on the bushes.The color of their crown includes shades of blue or white. Hybrid forms of this species can be purple or cream in color and form larger flowers. The flower stays on the bush for only 24 hours. After flowering, yellow egg-shaped fruits appear, containing edible red kernels. But for pollination you need at least two different bushes. Fruit pulp is often used as an additive to the filling of fruit or berry pies. The species is considered unpretentious and frost-resistant, withstanding a drop in temperature to -10.

• Cassiopeia - a variety of passionflower with inedible fruits. The flowers reach 12 cm in diameter and are most often colored blue. Due to the long shoots with finger foliage, high support is required to grow such a flower. Flowering continues from spring to autumn cold weather.
• Royal Star Is a fast growing variety with fragrant flowers and a long flowering period. The color of its flowers includes shades of white or blue, and the size reaches 10 cm. After flowering, yellow ovoid fruits are tied. Due to its unpretentiousness, such a plant is very popular. Plantings can decorate both the house and the garden, but the plants will have to be dug up for the winter. When grown in a pot, the height of the bush is about 30 cm.

Passionflower edible (Passiflora edulis)

A Brazilian species, also called "crimson granadilla", which has a high yield. Most often, the fruits of this particular plant are called passion fruit. In nature, the size of this vine reaches 10 m. Passiflora edulis forms flexible, bare shoots with shiny three-lobed foliage with a jagged edge. The flowers are white with purple stamens and a purple crown. Flower sizes reach 7 cm. Fruits can be yellow-green or purple. The species begins to bear fruit 2 years after sowing. There are both self-pollinating varieties and varieties that require another plant. Such passionflower is thermophilic and cannot withstand temperatures below 5 degrees.

Passiflora incarnata

This passion flower is also known as flesh or flesh colored. Another name for it is "apricot liana". The South American species grows up to 10 m in height. On smooth shoots, oblong petioles and shiny leaves are attached. The flowers are medium-sized, painted in different colors. Despite the name of the species, their most common color is purple. The yellow fruits of this passion flower are also considered tasty and edible, but unlike some other species, they contain little pulp.This is why these plants are not grown for industry. However, incarnate passionflower is considered a medicinal plant. Its components are included in the composition of sedatives. The species is quite cold-resistant and can withstand frosts down to -10.

Winged Passionflower (Passiflora Alata)

The plant is also called the Brazilian passion fruit. It is famous for its orange flowers with elongated stamens. The fruits of the plant are large and fragrant.

• Alata red - 9-meter bushes of this variety have large flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. Their petals are painted burgundy red, and the crown is lilac. The fruits are juicy and edible.

Passiflora tetrahedral (Passiflora quadrangularis)

This species has 4-sided shoots and flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. The color of the flowers outside is red, and the inside is white. Passiflora Quadrangularis produces shoots up to 15 m long and is cultivated to produce tasty fruits that resemble small melons. Their size exceeds the fruits of other passion flowers and reaches 30 cm in length. But in indoor conditions it is rarely possible to enjoy such fruits - the bush prefers greenhouse conditions and large containers.

Banana Passionflower (Passiflora molissima)

Differs in reddish flowers, reaching a diameter of 12 cm. The fruits are edible. You can use it not only raw, but jam is also made. The plant bears fruit well and the harvest is plentiful annually.

Reed passionflower (Passiflora ligularis)

Or ribbon-like, sweet granadilla. The species lives in the mountains of South America. Passiflora ligularis is fast growing and produces shoots up to 4 m long. The foliage of such plants is heart-shaped, wide and smooth, up to 10 cm long. The flowers are large and pinkish in color. After flowering, yellow or orange fruits are formed. These plants are among those cultivated for the sake of the harvest, but bloom only in the 4th year of cultivation. The species is grown in high humidity and a temperature of about 18 degrees, and already at 22 degrees it may have problems with flowering.

• Maestro - a variety of reed passion flower, reaching a height of 4 meters. Long shoots of this vine cling to the support with tendrils. Large foliage includes 3 to 5 lobes. The flowers have a blue crown. The yellow fruits are edible.

Passion flower (Passiflora gracilis)

Brazilian species with thin shoots. Passiflora gracilis has three-lobed leaves and medium-sized greenish-white flowers. The fruits are colored red. The species is most often grown to decorate the garden, and in the winter the bushes are brought into the house.

Passiflora "Bat" (Passiflora coriacea)

Unusual variety with bat-like foliage. The flowers of this passionflower are small (up to 3 cm), yellow. Despite the small size of the flowers, the fruits of this plant are edible and tasty. They are purple in color. This passion flower can also be successfully grown at home.

Passionflower laurel (Passiflora laurifolia)

They stand out with leaves similar to laurel, but much larger.

Passion flower properties

Due to its unique properties, this plant is used in medicine:

• The syrup is indicated for hypertensive patients.
• Vegetative failures are eliminated by tincture.
• Eliminates insomnia.
• Reduces neurasthenia.

Traditional healers use passionflower in the treatment of alcoholism.

The medicinal properties of passion flower have been known for a long time. Tea from this plant has a sedative effect. Many drugs normalize sleep and after waking up, no unpleasant consequences are observed. In addition, passionflower improves potency and performance. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is successfully used in the treatment of drug addiction.

And the main thing is that there are no side effects and addiction does not occur in preparations based on passionflower. For medicinal purposes, only ground parts of the plant are suitable - they are collected during the flowering period and dried well in the air.