BLUE PASSION FLOWER

The Passion Flower (Passiflora), a fast-growing perennial vine, with showy white and purple-blue scented flowers. Passion flower is tropical flower, native to southern Brazil and Argentina. It is also widely found from Virginia to southern Illinois and southeast Kansas, south to Florida and Texas in USA.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Malpighiales

Family

Passifloraceae

Genus

Passiflora

Passion flower is also known by other common names viz., Passion Vine, Maracuja, Apricot Vine, Maypop, etc. Passion Flower is 10 cm wide, with the five sepals and petals. The corona in the flower is blue or with violet filaments. Passion flowers have five greenish-yellow stamens and three purple stigmas.

Passion flowers are known to have have a high medicinal value. Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia.

Facts About Blue Passion flower

• The passion flower plant has palmately lobed (3, 7 or 9-lobed) glossy leaves.
• The base of each passion flower leaf has a flagellate twining tendril.
• Passion Flowers are generally not self-fertile, though with some exceptions, and show cross pollination.
• The fruit of Passion Flower may be eaten fresh or used in teas, which is said to alleviate stress and anxiety.
• In tropical climates the Passion Flower blooms throughout the year.
• Blue Passion Flower plant is attractive to butterflies, bees, and birds.
• Blue Passion Flower constituets the whole story of the crucifixion.

Growing Passion flower

• Passion flowers can be grown from dried seeds that have been saved for a year or more.
• Passion flower vines can also be Propagated by cuttings 4-6 inches long, taken at any time during active growth.
• Passion flowers will grow best in a deep, moist, well-drained sandy loam.
• The passion flowers, as most other Passiflora, needs a well-drained ground.
• Passion flowers need more than 4 hours of direct sunlight.
• When the passion flower vine starts to grow, provide a support.
• Apply a good fertilizer.
• Keep the soil evenly moist.

Caring passion flower

• Soil should be enriched with compost or leaf mold.
• Vines should be pruned heavily in fall or early spring to remove deadwood.