Blue Passionflower
passiflora caerulea
Also known as: ["Blue Passion Flower","Common Passion Flower"]
Overview
A vigorous, evergreen vine with distinctive blue and white flowers and orange fruit.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Passifloraceae |
| Genus: | Passiflora |
| Botanical Name: | Passiflora caerulea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: trellis or fence in a sheltered outdoor spot, or in a large container indoors with support
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can use cactus mix amended with compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to maintain shape and vigor.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back significantly if overgrown, but avoid removing more than one-thir
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate full sun with adequate water but may need shade in intense summer heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to full sun to prevent scorching; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in hot climates; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light patterns.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 20°F (-6°C) but thrives in warmer conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; switch to low-nitrogen formula if foliage grows excessively at expense of flowers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least two nodes; air layering is also effective for larger plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots, pot separately.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth typically appears after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of older stems, removal of dead or damaged growth, shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control size, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth; best done after flowering or in late winter/early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune at a 45-degree angle, remove dead/diseased parts, shape for airflow, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid fertilizing for a month.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; may need repotting more often if growth is vigorous.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid leaf wetting, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure even moisture distribution, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use pine bark fines for aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, leaf drop, stunted growth, or bud abortion in extreme cold; wilting, scorching, or flower drop in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged exposure can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, protect from drafts, reduce watering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may abort; growth may slow or stop.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves, flush soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are more sensitive to the cyanogenic glycosides in Passiflora caerulea compared to dogs. Ingestion of the fruits or seeds can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset. The physiological impact can include mild neurological effects in rare cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the fruits or seeds of Passiflora caerulea. The cyanogenic glycosides present can cause mild toxicity, but severe poisoning is rare. The physiological impact is primarily limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPassiflora caerulea contains small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide upon ingestion. The effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in large quantities or in sensitive individuals. The physiological impact includes mild gastrointestinal distress and potential neurological effects in rare cases.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Passiflora caerulea toxic to pets?
A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Q: How do I care for a Blue Passionflower?
A: Provide full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Prune to control growth.
Q: Does Passiflora caerulea attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers and fruit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Passifloraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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