On the subject of perennial vines, it’s exhausting to high the fantastic thing about blue ardour flower (Passiflora caerulea, Zones 7–11). This South American native plant is well-suited for the warmth and humidity of the southeastern United States. One of many hardiest ardour vines, it can reliably overwinter in Zone 7, and even Zone 6 when supplied with additional winter safety. Study extra about choosing the proper ardour flower vine on your backyard right here.
Blue ardour flower prefers full solar and a construction to climb on
This dense, vigorous vine can simply develop 20 toes tall and 6 toes vast. Its delicate, coiling tendrils, like these of pea crops, assist it latch onto and climb up buildings looking for the solar. The extra solar it will get, the extra blooms it produces. From early summer time to early fall, the vine is laden with multitudes of pale, starburst-shaped flowers topped by vibrant indigo crowns and enormous, golden anthers. Standard in cultivation, various colourful cultivars exist, together with ‘Waterloo Blue’.
The engaging orange fruit is edible however bland
The fruit of this vine is edible when it ripens to an exquisite orange coloration, though for those who’re solely rising it for the fruit, chances are you’ll be disillusioned. Its tart style is much less appetizing than the broadly out there widespread ardour fruit (Passiflora edulis, Zones 10–12). Plus, there’s typically a excessive seed-to-pulp ratio, which guarantees extra effort than it’s value. All different components of the plant, together with the unripened fruit, are reported to be poisonous.
Be cautious of this plant’s suckering roots, or develop it in a container
Blue ardour flower will simply thrive in most sunny, well-draining websites when given a sturdy help, however there are some things to contemplate earlier than introducing it to your panorama. First, like other forms of Passiflora, blue ardour flower kinds a big root system that may sucker many toes from its authentic planting web site. If routine sucker elimination feels like an excessive amount of upkeep, contemplate rising it in a big pot as a substitute. Ensure that the soil medium is well-draining and the container is not any smaller than 10 gallons (roughly 18 inches in diameter and top). Until you’re in Zone 8 or above, you’ll need to maneuver the container into an unheated storage or shed for winter, or insulate the pot to extend the plant’s possibilities of overwintering.
Blue ardour flower is a butterfly host plant however might be defoliated by caterpillars
Moreover, blue ardour flower is a bunch plant for a lot of species of fritillary butterflies, most notably the gulf fritillary. We hardly ever see this butterfly in Virginia, however I’ve heard many tales from Floridians in regards to the caterpillars’ voracious appetites. These spiky caterpillars shortly devour the foliage of even massive crops, turning what was as soon as a dense wall of shiny, deep inexperienced leaves right into a tattered mess. Some gardeners will probably be thrilled by this, and others will probably be devastated, so for those who’re within the deep Southeast, it’s a good suggestion to guage your stance earlier than planting.
This vine is a vigorous grower that responds nicely to pruning
Whether or not it’s hit by insect injury or a pair of pruners, blue ardour flower can shortly regenerate by placing on a whole lot of new progress in only one season. Established crops can safely be pruned to one-half to one-third of their measurement with out inflicting an excessive amount of stress, permitting you to regulate their top. It’s finest to do that in spring earlier than the buds begin to kind; in any other case, you may sacrifice flowers. Even with common pruning, blue ardour flower won’t ever look as manicured as clematis (Clematis spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) and another vines, however its untamed spirit is a part of its attraction.
Think about giving this daring, engaging vine a attempt in your backyard. For different vines with an identical look, attempt purple ardour flower (Passiflora incaranta, Zones 5–9) or yellow ardour flower (Passiflora lutea, Zones 5–10), each of that are native.
To speak about this or different nice crops for the Southeast, speak to a regional skilled on the Gardening Solutions discussion board.
And for extra Southeast regional reviews, click on right here.
Cheyenne Wine is a author and photographer for Uncommon Roots Nursery in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Images, so as of look:
1 Franz van Duns, CC BY-SA 4.0, through Wikimedia Commons
2 and 5 Cheyenne Wine
3 Wouter Hagens, CC BY-SA 3.0, through Wikimedia Commons
4 Edward Rooks, CC BY-SA 4.0, through Wikimedia Commons
