- Many Passiflora species only flower in the second year
- Overwinter passion flowers properly
- tips and tricks
The plant family of the passion flower family is very large with an estimated 500 members. With the exception of one species, the delicate Passiflora gracilis, all Passiflora are perennial and can easily grow to 10 years or more if the conditions are right and they are cared for properly.
Many Passiflora species only flower in the second year
Many a new owner of a "Passi", as these beautiful climbing plants are affectionately called by their fans, are amazed when the little plant grows luxuriantly, but does not yet want to show its magnificent flowers. This unwillingness to bloom does not necessarily have to be due to the plant's laziness or incorrect care, but simply to its too young age. Most passion flowers actually only bloom in their second year, because a cutting or seedling from the spring puts its energy into growth and the development of the roots. Only cuttings that have already been taken and overwintered in the previous autumn will flower faster.
Passiflora gracilis - a delicate beauty
An exception among the passion flowers is the annual Passiflora gracilis, which is very vigorous and blooming. Originally from Central America, this passion flower usually thrives in our Central European climate and begins to show its delicate, greenish-white flowers soon after planting. Its flowers are quite small with a diameter of about two centimeters, and they are not nearly as magnificent as those of other species. Nevertheless, Passiflora gracilis has its own charm due to its tenderness.
Overwinter passion flowers properly
If you want to enjoy your passion flower for many years, proper overwintering is necessary. Passion flowers - no matter what kind - are not hardy - even if some species are said to tolerate temperatures down to - 15 °C for a short time. It is best to overwinter your specimen frost-free, but cool. The brightness is particularly important, however, because these plants need sufficient light even in winter. Passiflora cannot survive a dark hibernation, for example in a cellar. Water the plant occasionally, but stop all fertilizing by September at the latest to gradually prepare the passionflower for winter.
tips and tricks
A pruning in autumn makes sense if you do not have the space to overwinter the whole Passiflora, which can be several meters high. In addition, a pruned plant has a significantly lower light requirement, which can be an advantage in the dark season.