Passion Flower or Passion Fruit? Here’s the Real Difference

They may share the same name, but passion flower and passion fruit are not the same thing, though they are definitely related! If you’ve ever been confused about what sets these two apart (or how they work together), you’re not alone.

Let’s break it down in plain language and get to know what each one really is—and why both are worth getting excited about.

The Basics: Flower vs. Fruit

Passiflora caerulea – Blue Passion Flower

Passion flower

Passion flowers are the gorgeous, often mind-blowing blooms that grow on vines in the Passiflora genus. These flowers come in all kinds of colors—white, purple, pink, red, even blue—and they look like something straight out of a sci-fi garden. They’re not just pretty, either. Many of them are pollinator magnets and have deep cultural and symbolic meanings.

Passion fruit

Passion fruit is the edible fruit that comes from certain species of passion flower vines—specifically, Passiflora edulis and a few of its close relatives. It’s that round, wrinkly fruit with the sweet-tart, tropical pulp that ends up in juices, desserts, cocktails, and even salad dressings. Yum.

Let’s Talk Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata – Maypop

There are over 500 species of passion flower, but not all of them produce edible fruit. What they all have in common? Absolutely stunning flowers. Take Passiflora caerulea, the blue passion flower. With its electric purple-and-white filaments and sci-fi structure, it’s one of the most popular ornamental vines in temperate gardens.

Other stunners include Passiflora incarnata (aka Maypop), a native North American wildflower with lavender blooms and calming herbal benefits, and Passiflora quadrangularis, the massive and slightly ridiculous “giant granadilla,” with fruit the size of your head!

Then there’s the exquisitely fragrant Passiflora alata (winged-stem passion flower), and the vivid, almost flame-colored Passiflora coccinea, a red beauty that adds serious tropical vibes. Don’t forget P. × alato-caerulea, a stunning hybrid that combines color, fragrance, and resilience for the best of both worlds.

Uses of Passion Flower Vines

Ornamental Appeal: These vines are garden showstoppers. They climb fences, trellises, and arbors with ease, turning dull structures into vertical flower walls bursting with color and intricate form.

Herbal Medicine: Species like Passiflora incarnata are commonly used in teas and tinctures to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep. They’re often included in calming herbal blends and supplements.

Pollinator Magnet: Passion flowers are a favorite of butterflies and bees. They serve as larval host plants for species like the Gulf fritillary and zebra longwing, making them perfect for butterfly gardens and wildlife-friendly spaces.

Educational and Botanical Interest: Their unusual floral structure makes them a fascinating subject for garden tours and botany lessons alike. They’re a great example of plant-pollinator coevolution and floral complexity.

Tropical Ambiance: If you’re dreaming of lush, tropical vibes, passion flower vines bring exotic flair to patios, balconies, and greenhouse spaces—especially in colder regions where they can be grown in containers.

And Now for the Passion Fruit

When most people mention “passion fruit,” they’re usually thinking of the classic purple variety—the tropical superstar with a sweet-tart punch and a perfume that practically screams vacation. But did you know there’s more than one kind?

The two main types are:

• Purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) – smaller, sweeter, and perfect for eating fresh, straight out of the shell with a spoon.
• Yellow passion fruit (P. edulis f. flavicarpa) – bigger, bolder, and a bit more tart, making it ideal for juicing and cocktails.

Craving something a little different? Don’t miss the exotic sweet granadilla (P. ligularis), known for its ultra-aromatic pulp and floral flavor.

Or try the banana passion fruit (P. tarminiana), a tangy treat with creamy pulp and a totally unique shape. These lesser-known varieties may be harder to find—but they’re definitely worth the hunt.

What’s in a Passion Fruit?

Passion Fruit Uses

• Fresh Eating: Just slice and scoop! Great by the spoonful or added to fruit salads.
• Juice & Smoothies: Yellow varieties are perfect for making vibrant, tart juice.
• Desserts: Pairs well with ice cream, cheesecake, meringues, and pavlova.
• Cooking: Adds tangy flavor to sauces and marinades, especially for fish and chicken.
• Cocktails: A tropical twist in margaritas, mojitos, and martinis.
• Preserves: Makes delicious jams, curds, and syrups.

Check out the whole growing and eating guide here

Do All Passion Flowers Make Passion Fruit?

Nope! While all passion fruit comes from passion flowers, not all passion flowers produce edible fruit. Many species, like P. caerulea, do make fruit, but it’s either not very tasty or mildly toxic when unripe.

Stick to the known edible varieties like:

• P. edulis – classic purple passion fruit
• P. edulis f. flavicarpa – tropical yellow type
• P. ligularis – sweet granadilla, mild and floral
• P. tarminiana – banana-flavored with a tangy twist

Passion Flower Tea and Herbal Uses

If you’ve ever seen “passion flower tea” at the store or in a calming sleep blend, it’s most likely made from Passiflora incarnata. This species has a long history in herbal medicine and is still popular today for its calming, sleep-supporting benefits.

That said, not all parts of the plant are meant to be consumed, especially in high amounts. If you’re using passion flower in tea or supplements, it’s best to stick with prepared, labeled products or consult a professional herbalist.

Growing Passion Flowers vs. Passion Fruits

Passion flowers can be grown just for their looks. They’re perfect for trellises, fences, and patios. Some types are more cold-hardy (like P. incarnata), while others need a tropical climate.

But if you want fruit? You’ll need more than just flowers. Here’s what matters:

• Pollination – Many passion fruits need cross-pollination, especially yellow and banana types.
• Warmth – Fruit-producing vines need consistent warmth and sun (USDA zones 9–11).
• Space – Fruit vines grow fast and need room to sprawl or climb.
• Patience – Most passion fruit vines take about 1–2 years to fruit after planting.

For more tips, check out this guide to stunning garden flowers and top tropical bloomers.

Passion for the Win

In short, passion flowers bring the wow factor to your garden. Passion fruit brings it to your plate. Whether you’re chasing vibrant blooms or juicy flavor—or both—you really can’t go wrong with a well-chosen Passiflora.

Start small with an easy purple passion fruit or go bold with a giant granadilla. Or, if you’re all about calming teas and butterflies, grow a patch of Maypop and watch the pollinators roll in.

Want to dive deeper? Don’t miss this roundup of 50 Passion Fruit FAQs—you’ll be a pro in no time.