Facts About Passion Vines

The passion vine, also called the Passiflora, is a unique woody vine that grows best in subtropical and frost free regions. As they resemble something from outer space, passion vines make interesting landscape plants. They also serve as a religious symbol because they reminded early Peruvian Catholic priests of Christ’s thorn of thorns during His passion and were therefore called passion vines. These vines have silky exotic flowers in various colors ranging from red, crimson, blue and purple to white.

Size and the Lifespan of the Passion Vine

A typical passion vine is up to 20 feet long with flowers that are three wide. Fruits are round and about two inches wide that turn yellow when ripe. Their life span is relatively short as it’s about five to seven years, however by planting new plants fruit can appear the same year the vines are planted.

Habitats of Passion Vines

Passion vines are grown in warm climates such as Brazil and Argentina. In the United States they grow wild in low woods, sandy fields, alongside fence rows, roadsides and railroads mostly in warmer southeastern states, but in colder regions they’re grown more as annuals.

Types of Passion Vines

There are roughly 400 species of passion vines, according to Mgonline.com. Some of the most common varieties include the purple passion fruit and the yellow passion fruit. the giant granadilla. The purple passion vine, also called Maypop, produces flowers used as a medicinal plant and contains berrylike flowers called granadilla. They make ideal outdoor plants, as well as hanging basket plants. The yellow passion vine is a climbing vine that grows to approximately15 feet long. It produces greenish-yellow flowers and black or purple berries. This type of passion vine is a main food supply for butterfly larvae.

Uses of Passion Vines

Passion vines grow easily on trellises or fences and can hide ugly yard problems, besides attracting butterflies. Flowers from passion vines have medicinal uses. The passion flower has been used as an herbal medication in treating anxiety and insomnia as it has a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. Studies in the 1930s discovered this non addictive herb helped anxiety patients relax. In addition, it also helps spasmodic smooth muscles with this tranquilizing quality, as well as helping with digestion.

Considerations for Growing Passion Vines

Passion flower seeds develop slowly because they have a natural chemical slowing down their germination. This problem can be corrected planting seeds in damp cool soil which can remove the chemical. Giving seeds a pretreatment by soaking them in water for 24 hours also helps them germinate faster.

Although passion vines are beautiful and colorful additions to landscapes, they can spread quickly, so they need to be regularly pruned. They’re also aggressive climbers, clinging to anything they can grab. This fast growing vine can take over anything within ten feet of its long tendrils. On the other hand, it’s a good idea to plant it next to a fence or trellis so it’s easier to control and prune.

References

Passion Flower: ‚”Passion Flower aka Passiflora Incarnata”

Mgonline: ‚”Passion Vine, Passiflora”