Passionflower, also known as passion flower, is a beautiful climbing plant with delicate blooms and is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Follow our step-by-step guide to successfully take passionflower cuttings!

When to take passionflower cuttings?

Passionflower cuttings are best taken in July and August. The warmth during this period will help your cuttings develop roots.

Required materials

How to prepare passionflower cuttings?

  • Identify this year's growth on your passionflower. Young stems make better cuttings. Current year's growth can be recognised by its green or purple colour (depending on variety), while older stems are typically brown and woody.
  • Choose stems with leaves only, avoid any with flowers so the cutting focuses on root development rather than flowering.
  • Using clean, disinfected secateurs, cut a stem tip measuring about 15cm long with 3 nodes (nodes consist of a leaf and tendril - don't count the terminal leaf).
Passionflower nodes, tendrils and leaves
  • Make the cut just below the third node as this will produce roots.
  • Remove all leaves from the lower two nodes.
  • You may remove half of the remaining leaves to reduce transpiration and prevent the cutting from drying out.
  • Remove all tendrils which the plant uses for climbing.

→ We recommend taking 5-6 cuttings for best results.

How to take stem cuttings: 1/ Cut stem just below a node. 2/ Remove lower leaves and tendrils. 3/ Plant cutting in compost. 4/ Keep substrate slightly moist.

Passionflower propagation using a cloche

The cloche method (or "enclosed propagation") is the simplest technique for passionflower cuttings. The humid environment encourages successful rooting.

  • Fill a pot with light compost, ideally cutting or potting compost. A mix of compost and sand also works well.
  • Water the compost to moisten it.
  • Make a 3-5cm deep hole using a pencil or small stick.
  • Optionally dip the stem base in rooting hormone or willow water before planting.
  • Plant the cutting and firm the compost around it.
  • Cover with a transparent cloche, cut-off bottle or mini greenhouse. Ensure leaves don't touch the cover to prevent rotting.
  • Place in bright, indirect light. Passionflower cuttings need warmth and humidity but no direct sun.
  • Keep the compost moist and ventilate every 3-4 days.
  • After 4-8 weeks when roots have formed, transplant into a larger pot. Protect from frost in a cold frame or conservatory until spring planting.

Further reading