Passiflora Michael- Passion Flower

The Passionflower 'Michael' is a hybrid variety resulting from the cross-breeding of P. vitifolia and P. caerulea. The result is a beautiful, vigorous climbing liana that offers from spring to autumn a constellation of large deep and intense fuchsia-red flowers, topped with delicate light red filaments and yellow-green stamens. 'Michael' remains relatively compact with its 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) in height, and will therefore be perfectly at ease in a terrace pot or on a veranda and brought inside when temperatures drop below a maximum of -2°C (28.4°F).

Mainly from tropical areas of South America, passionflowers belong to the large family of Passifloraceae, which includes 400 species and numerous spontaneous or horticultural hybrids.

'Michael' is a rambling plant that clings to its support with tendrils, reaching an average height of 3 m (10ft). Its long stems are adorned with leaves divided into three ovate lobes of medium to light green, more or less evergreen. Its flowering extends from July until the beginning of autumn in the form of flowers 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) in diameter that constantly repeat on the plant. Its fragrant blooms are formed by tubular and pointed tepals and petals and a beautiful deep pink-red fuchsia colour. These are delicately topped with discreet filaments of the same colour and pale yellow-green stamens. The flowers are highly appreciated by pollinating insects.

This Passionflower is not a capricious and challenging plant to grow like some orchids. It grows easily in any well-drained, light, relatively deep and not-too-dry soil in summer and blooms generously in the sun in a sheltered position. At the end of flowering, pruning consists of reducing the branches to maintain a beautiful habit. With its compact habit, 'Michael' will be highly appreciated in verandas or greenhouses where it will withstand cold winters without damage.