An ornamental evergreen to semi-deciduous climber bearing intricate blue-and-white flowers with a striking filament crown, followed by ornamental orange fruit. Hardier than the edible passionfruit but prone to suckering.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 8 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Blue Passionflower
Botanically, Passiflora caerulea is a fast-growing climber in the Passifloraceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with semi-deciduous foliage. Blue and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Blue Passionflower
Blue Passionflower suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Blue Passionflower does best in loamy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Blue Passionflower is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Blue Passionflower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Blue Passionflower in the garden
Blue Passionflower earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge, feeding bees and pollinators and attracting butterflies.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Blue Passionflower with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew. It is thornless and easy to handle. Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Blue Passionflower
Plant Sale lists Blue Passionflower as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.