Anyone who has accidentally bought a small passion flower from the grocery store or grown young plants from seedlings can hardly imagine how large these climbing plants can become. Many members of the extensive Passiflora family easily reach heights of up to 10 meters - provided, of course, that the growth conditions and care are right. So it's no wonder that many plants have to be pruned before they are put into winter quarters.
Cutting the side shoots leads to more branching
Passion flowers grow from several strong leaders, which can also become woody with age - provided they have not been pruned beforehand. However, the hoped-for splendor of flowers will only appear on the young (i.e. this year's) side shoots, which is why these should be shortened in autumn, but at the latest shortly before the start of the growing season. It is sufficient to leave only three to five eyes, the stronger the plant then drives out again and develops numerous branches. As a rule of thumb, the more new shoots and branches, the more buds you can expect.
Remove faded flowers
If you are not hoping for fruit and seeds, you should remove the shoots with the faded flowers. The formation of fruits and seeds costs the plant a lot of energy, and it also fulfills its urge to reproduce by producing seeds. As a result, she invests less energy in her buds. Removing faded flowers ensures that you can enjoy the beautiful flowers of your Passiflora for a longer period of time. But don't worry: since passion flowers are usually perennial, you can already look forward to the following year.
Prune passiflora in autumn
Passion flowers can grow very large: Provided they have a large pot, a nice, sunny spot and plenty of water and fertilizer, the fast-growing plants quickly climb all the climbing aids they can get their hands on. However, only a few Passiflora are hardy and should therefore be overwintered frost-free - i.e. in the house, in the apartment or in an unheated greenhouse. However, you do not need to worry about space problems, because you can also cut back the plant drastically without worry. The main branches of older passion flowers can be shortened to about 15 to 20, so that they easily fit on the window sill in the unheated bedroom.
tips and tricks
When pruning the plant, be sure to use both sharp and clean tools. A blunt knife or scissors would only injure the Passiflora unnecessarily and also provide a gateway for fungi and other pathogens.