Passiflora ‘Iridescence’ (Passion Flower)

Hardy, Passiflora ‘Iridescence’ is a vigorous climber with stunning purple flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), adorned with a ring of paler, wavy filaments. The fascinating blooms are followed by egg-size, tasty fruits in late summer or early fall. This elegant Passion Flower also features a handsome foliage of lobed, dark green leaves. Tough and hardy, ‘Iridescence’ is winter hardy to 5ºF (-15ºC) and will die to the ground in winter.

This passion flower belongs to the Passifloraceae family, famed not just for its edible fruit but also for its intricate passion flower. Among these botanical floral beauties are Passiflora alata, P. incarnata, P. racemosa, P. lutea, P. edulis, and the ravishing P. caerulea.

• Blooms profusely through most of the warm months from early summer to early fall
• Thrives in full sun or part shade, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Good drainage is essential. Go light on fertilizer and water deeply, but infrequently. Passion Flowers should be encouraged to reach deep into the earth for water. This prompts them to develop a powerful root system that will sustain them through droughts and freezes. Do not provide too much manure or compost or this will result in lush vegetative growth and poor flowering. Keep the soil on the dry side in the winter.
• Easy to grow, this twining vine can quickly grow up to 10-15 ft. long (3-5 m). Don’t try to train your Passion Flower to be too neat and compact. The branches allowed to hang loose and droop a bit will be the ones most inclined to flower.
• Excellent choice for trellises, walls, fences or arbors. Perfect in wall-side borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens and containers. This trouble free climber clings with tendrils so won’t damage brickwork or fences!
• Butterflies are extraordinarily fond of Passion Flowers.
• The terminal buds may be pinched out to encourage branching.
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