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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Passionfruit does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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
Combine 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.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Passionfruit
Plant Sale lists Passionfruit as potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
