With flowers like this, it’s hard to believe that Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea) grows in North America! White petals and a blue and white fringe-like corona (appendages from the corolla) give this flower a tie-dye effect. Expect frequent visits from bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more. All the sweet nectar is located at the center of the flower disk, right underneath giant arching stamens that disperse pollen on the back of insects or the head of birds. When the flowers are properly pollinated, they develop large fruits that are delicious when ripe.
Passionflower is relatively low maintenance and easy to train on trellises, fences, and trees. It is hardy down to zone 6, but may benefit from extra mulch in a protected area in colder climates.
Vital details:
Plant size: vining to 10-25′ tall x 3-6′ wide
Light: full sun (6+ hrs/day) to part sun (4-6 hours sun)
Water: Average water requirements
Hardiness: USDA zone 7-9 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator value: attracts native bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and caterpillars.
Notable features: vine,, edible fruit (when ripe).
Pot size: one quart
Plant name: Passiflora caerulea