Passiflora alata

The Passiflora alata is a vigorous, original and decorative passionflower, appreciated for its large, fragrant passion flowers of a bright red, adorned with a crown of white striped frizzy filaments on a mauve background. It is an evergreen vine, vigorous and easy to grow in a very bright exposure, as long as the temperature does not drop below 5°C (41°F). The ephemeral flowers succeed each other on the plant throughout the beautiful season, sometimes producing a few ripe yellow fruits, which are edible. Their flavour is both sweet and tangy. It will be grown in a large pot in fertile and fresh soil to be stored in winter.

Originally from the Amazonian forests, this red passionflower belongs to the large Passifloraceae family, which includes 400 species and many spontaneous or horticultural hybrids. This voluble plant clings to its support with tendrils, reaching a height of over 4.50 m (15ft) quickly. It is characterized by quadrangular stems covered with finely cut oval leaves, 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long, medium green, which persist throughout the year. Its flowering extends from spring to autumn in the form of large flowers with a diameter of 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4in), which constantly repeat on the plant. Bright red tepals form its fragrant flowers, and the central crown is striped white and mauve. The stamen heart is yellow. Once pollinated, they give way to oval edible fruits, green and yellow when ripe, measuring 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and weighing between 90 and 300 grams. The pulp is pale orange, slightly acidic and highly aromatic.

This frost-sensitive passionflower alata grows in rich, fresh, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Pruning at the end of flowering involves reducing the branches to maintain a beautiful habit. With its height of 4 to 5 m (13 to 16ft), the alata passionflower is used to dress walls, fences, grills, porches and trellises when the climate allows. It is a very beautiful conservatory plant where it will spend cold winters. It will delight collectors of passionflowers!