Passiflora, as the passion flower is botanically correct, is native to the tropical and subtropical climate zones of the South American continent. Nevertheless, it is quite insensitive to the temperatures that prevail here and blooms diligently, provided it has a sunny and sheltered place. However, the passion flower is not hardy.
Bring passionflower in before winter
It is true that some breeds, often hybrids, are considered to be hardy to a certain extent; although even the breeders admit that this insensitivity does not apply to every specimen. If you own a variety that has been declared as hardy, you can of course try to overwinter it outside. However, you should pack your Passiflora properly, at least the roots must be kept warm. If the upper shoots freeze, it's not too dramatic: the plant will simply sprout again the following spring. Frozen roots, however, will inevitably lead to the death of the passion flower. It is better to play it safe and bring the plant indoors. Here it overwinters best in a bright and frost-free but cool room at a maximum of 10 °C.
care in winter
With a cool hibernation, you reduce the care measures significantly. Reduce the amount of fertilizer from the beginning / middle of August and stop fertilizing completely in the course of September. In winter, the passion flower should only be watered, but much less frequently and not as lavishly as in summer. A few yellow leaves are perfectly normal, but are becoming more common and the plant looks stunted overall, check for various diseases. If necessary, water a little more (if the soil is too dry) or fertilize again. From February/March you start the full care program again - but slowly, so that the Passiflora slowly get in the mood for spring.
tips and tricks
Since passion flowers usually grow very large, there is no way around an autumn pruning - otherwise the climbing plant could not be moved to the winter quarters. But don't worry: a radical pruning will even make it easier for you to overwinter, since the plant then needs less light.