Passiflora Purple Passion and Constance Elliott

A colourful duo of passion flowers that bloom from summer until the first frost. These exuberant climbers bear evergreen foliage and produce extraordinary lightly scented flowers. They are a deep purple in ‘Purple Passion’ and ivory-white in 'Constance Elliott'. These vigorous and floriferous varieties will climb up to 4m (13ft) in height. However, they are quite tender, so it is best to grow them in a large pot on a patio or in a conservatory. Bring the pots indoors when temperatures drop below a maximum of -2°C (28.4°F).

This duo consists of 1 Passiflora caerulea 'Constance Elliott' plant and 1 Passiflora 'Purple Passion' plant, both contained in the same pot.

Mostly native to tropical areas of South America, passion flowers belong to the large Passifloraceae family, which includes 400 species and numerous spontaneous or horticultural hybrids.

'Purple Passion' is one of them, bred in the Netherlands and introduced to the market in 2009. This voluble plant clings to its support using tendrils, reaching over 4m (13ft) in height. It is characterised by its quadrangular stems adorned with shiny dark green leaves divided into 5 thick oval lobes. The foliage is evergreen. Its flowering period extends from spring to autumn, with large flowers measuring 6cm (2in) in diameter that constantly renew themselves on the plant. Its slightly fragrant flowers are formed by mauve-purple tepals, with a striped crown in violet, white, and mauve. The stamen cluster is green. The unusual shape of the ephemeral flower evolves: petals and sepals curl up, while the crown of filaments folds and then straightens to avoid self-pollination. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to oval edible fruits, ripening to orange. They measure 5 to 6cm (2in) in length. The pulp is reddish, not very sweet, and not very aromatic.

‘Constance Elliott’, also known as the ‘White Passion Flower’, is an old variety that is still very popular. A little hardier than the caerulea species (-10°C (14°F)), it can remain in the ground during winter, provided it is exposed to the south or west and protected with mulch. From summer until the first frost, it boasts a constellation of ivory-white flowers, which are perfectly elegant against a backdrop of shiny dark green leaves. The heart is tinged with almond green and the violet stamens add the finishing touch to the picture.

Passion flowers grow easily in any well-drained, light, deep soil that is not too dry in summer. They flower generously in the sun in a sheltered location. Pruning, at the end of flowering, involves reducing the branches to maintain a beautiful habit.