Care of the climbing plant Passiflora vitifolia or Vine-leaved passion flower |
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The genus Passiflora, family Passifloraceae, comprises 400 species of climbing plants native to America, Australia and Asia. Some species are: Passiflora vitifolia, Passiflora caerulea, Passiflora cincinnata, Passiflora edulis, Passiflora x decaisneana, Passiflora x violacea, Passiflora manicata, Passiflora antioquiensis, Passiflora incarnata, Passiflora actinia, Passiflora murucuja. Common names: Red Granadilla, Vine-leaved passion flower, Grape-leaved passion flower, Perfumed passionflower. This species is native to Central America. They are fast growing climbing plants that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have very characteristic leaves, similar to that of the vine, with 3 lobes and villi. They produce abundant large, scented red flowers 15 cm (5.9") in diameter. It blooms during the summer until early fall. The fruits are edible. They are used to cover fences and walls, as isolated specimens, in groups combined with Gardenia jasminoides, Pandorea jasminoides, Fatsia japonica or Strelitzia nicolai and in pots for terraces, as indoor and greenhouse plants. The Passiflora vitifolia needs a sunny or semi-shadow exposure and a mild winter climate; it's important to protect them from the wind. They are tropical plants that do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). They can grow in any well-drained soil that contains organic matter. Transplantation or planting is done in spring. Water regularly (once a week or more if it's hot) so that the substrate is always fresh; they do not resist excessive irrigation or drought. Fertilize with a little compost or manure in the fall. Prune in early spring to control growth and strengthen the plant. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; they can sometimes be attacked by caterpillars. They are propagated from cuttings from the top of the plant in early spring or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the climbing plant Passiflora vitifolia or Vine-leaved passion flower |
 Passiflora vitifolia  Passiflora vitifolia  Passiflora vitifolia |