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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Nellie Kelly Passionfruit 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Nellie Kelly Passionfruit with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Nellie Kelly Passionfruit
Plant Sale lists Nellie Kelly Passionfruit 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 we have it ready.