Growing Passifloras

I received an e-mail from a very patient Internet user who asked me when I would publish an article on Passifloras as promised on this page. I assured him it was my intention to write it and publish it, but that it would be some time before I could. Instead, I'll publish the contents of my reply as a starter for the rest of you. My apologies to those still waiting for a full article and I hope the bit of information below is helpful for all of you in choosing and growing Passifloras successfully!

There are so many species involved that it can't be the same advice for each. Generally, the hardiest like caerulea and incarnata can be pushed up to a colder climate by growing them in a large container and bringing it inside after frost has taken them down to the ground. Don't overwater them while they're dormant. They'll need almost no water until they grow again. The tropical species can be grown in containers, too. Just cut them back to a foot or so and place them in a sunny window for the winter. Some will tolerate the lower light and low humidity, some will actually thrive.

On another note, if your climate is close to being warm enough for any given species, you can usually find a suitable microclimate around your home. The heat of a house and protection from winter wind can make a full zone jump. For example, if you plant near the foundation of your home on the southeast side, your home will protect the plant from winter winds and the soil never gets as cold or freezes as deep up against your house. Just be sure to check the soil there. Sometimes it is full of construction debris and the composition and pH can be bad.

In general, Passifloras can be very easy and rewarding plants in your garden collection. I've been growing them myself for about 6 years. I started growing them to learn more for the business but have found them to be some of my favorite landscape and house plants.