Passiflora Eugenie- Passion Flower

The Passiflora x belotii 'Empress Eugenie' is a climbing plant resulting from cross-breeding between two other species. Vigorous, it can reach a height of 4 to 5m (13 to 16ft) on a trellis that it will quickly cover. This variety has trilobed leaves, deciduous or semi-evergreen in very mild climates. It is especially remarkable for its magnificent flowering, combining white, pink, mauve, and violet tones. Not very hardy, this passionflower can only be grown in open ground in our mildest winter regions, where temperatures rarely and briefly drop to -5°C. Elsewhere, it will make a beautiful greenhouse or conservatory plant.

Mostly native to tropical areas of South America, Passifloras belong to the Passifloraceae family, the most well-known genus. This genus comprises more than 500 species and numerous spontaneous or horticultural hybrids. They are mostly tropical plants, but some species are also subtropical and can survive winter in the mildest regions of France, primarily along the Mediterranean or oceanic coastlines in sheltered areas. Passiflora x belotii is a hybrid obtained by crossing the blue passionflower (Passiflora coerulea), one of the hardiest species capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -12°C, with the Passiflora alata, a climbing evergreen with beautiful red flowers native to the Amazon.

The 'Empress Eugenie' passionflower produces flowers with shades that are intermediate between those of its two parents. Thus, the first crown of 5 sepals is cream white, while the second, also made up of 5 petals similar to the sepals, is a slightly mauve pink. A third crown of numerous, slender, and graceful ornamental filaments is adorned with a beautiful violet mauve hue. The 5 bright yellow stamens open in a star shape at the base of the pistil and are divided into 3 yellow-green stigmas. This highly sophisticated floral ensemble contributes to the fascination exerted by this plant, which has been associated with the passion of Christ for several centuries, each floral element being credited with a specific meaning. In 'Empress Eugenie', named in honour of Napoleon III's wife, the flowers are quite large, reaching 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) in diameter. They are well highlighted by the trilobed leaves, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) wide, of medium green colour and good coverage. These leaves remain evergreen in winter if the plant is kept frost-free. The 'Empress Eugenie' passionflower is a climbing plant that clings to its support with tendrils. Grown in a container, it will remain compact and can be pruned to limit growth. 

This Empress Eugenie Passionflower thrives in very mild climates in winter, not too hot and not too dry in summer. With its height of 4-5m (13-16ft), this climber can be used to decorate walls, fences, grills, porches, and trellises. Elsewhere, it will be appreciated in an unheated greenhouse or conservatory where it can spend the winter. To create a tropical scene in a mild climate, plant it alongside other exotic-looking plants, such as Caesalpinia gilliesii, with flowers resembling the tropical Flamboyant. Slightly less hardy, Sesbania punicea and its striking red flowers also have a fiercely exotic appearance.