A popular grafted purple passionfruit on hardy rootstock, vigorous and quick to cover a fence with glossy evergreen leaves and exotic flowers. Crops heavily with tangy aromatic fruit in a warm, sunny, sheltered position.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Nellie Kelly Passionfruit
Botanically, Passiflora edulis 'Nellie Kelly' is a fast-growing climber in the Passifloraceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White and purple flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Nellie Kelly Passionfruit
Nellie Kelly Passionfruit suits subtropical, warm-temperate and tropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Nellie Kelly Passionfruit does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Nellie Kelly Passionfruit does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Nellie Kelly Passionfruit after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Nellie Kelly Passionfruit in the garden
Nellie Kelly Passionfruit earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Nellie Kelly Passionfruit with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Nellie Kelly Passionfruit
Plant Sale lists Nellie Kelly Passionfruit as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
