The passion flowers, originally from Central and South America, are a very species- and varied family of plants, most of which are not hardy. However, some representatives can be easily cultivated in a pot outdoors or on the balcony, others are better off in a winter garden.
Which passion flowers are suitable for the balcony?
Passionflowers are great for the balcony, especially in a sunny, sheltered area. Choose from species such as P. caerulea, P. vitifolia, P. morifolia, P. mollissima, P. ligularis, P. antioquiensis or P. edulis. In winter they should hibernate in a bright room at a maximum of 10 °C.
Climbing Passionflower Plant
Most passiflora, as the passion flower is botanically called, are perennial climbing plants or grow as lianas that become woody with age. However, the fast-growing shoots do not form adhesive feet with which the plants - such as ivy - anchor themselves in walls and masonry. Instead, the numerous tendrils prefer to wind themselves around trellises or similar climbing aids. In autumn, the shoots can be easily removed and cut back heavily in order to trim the several meter high passiflora to suit its winter quarters. It will sprout again the following spring.
Passion flowers for balconies and terraces
| Passiflora | German name | flower size | Flower color | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P. caerulea | Blue passionflower | up to 10 cm | blue-white | edible, not very tasty |
| P. vitifolia | Vine leaf passionflower | up to 16 cm | bright red | edible |
| P. morifolia | Mulberry Leaved Passionflower | up to 3.5 cm | white-violet | like plums, not edible |
| P. mollissima | Curuba passionflower | up to 12 cm | pink | similar to small bananas, edible |
| P. ligularis | Sweet Grenadilla | up to 10 cm | white-violet | edible |
| P. antioquiensis | Red Banana Passionflower | up to 13 cm | red | similar to small bananas, edible |
| P. edulis | Passionfruit | up to 8 cm | white-purple | edible |
Passion flowers need light and warmth
Passion flowers generally come from tropical or subtropical regions and therefore, with a few exceptions, love both the sun and the warmth. A sunny and sheltered spot is therefore best suited, if possible on a balcony facing south or southwest. Of the Passiflora species listed in the table above that are suitable for the balcony, only Passiflora antioquiensis should not be exposed to the blazing sun. In winter, passion flowers should not be overwintered outside, but rather under cold house conditions at a maximum of 10 °C in a bright room.
Tips & Tricks
Passion flowers can be easily cultivated in a suitable balcony box. For two plants, this should hold around 15 liters of substrate and be up to 100 centimeters long. However, if you plant your passiflora in a pot, don't choose it too big. In large containers the plant quickly becomes lazy to bloom.
