A vigorous evergreen tendril climber grown for its exotic fringed purple-and-white flowers followed by aromatic, tangy purple fruit. A productive backyard favourite for warm, sheltered fences and pergolas.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 6 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Passionfruit
Botanically, Passiflora edulis is a fast-growing climber in the Passifloraceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. White and purple flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Passionfruit
Passionfruit suits subtropical and warm-temperate 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. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Passionfruit 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
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 Passionfruit 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 Passionfruit in the garden
Passionfruit earns its place for edible harvests, a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair 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.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Passionfruit
Plant Sale lists 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.