Veseys

Passiflora incarnata

Hardy in zones 6-9

Plant in full sun to part shade, in a protected location, and mulch heavily, especially in colder climates. Top growth can be killed back by frost, but 'pops' back to life in the Spring. Passion flowers, also called Maypops, are easy to grow and will adapt themselves to most well-drained soils but will benefit by the addition of compost to the planting hole. During the growing season, the soil should be kept evenly moist, to ensure good flowering and growth. Apply a balanced (10-5-20) fertilizer in the early spring, and then again six to eight weeks later. Begins to bloom in July and continues until frost. The vigourous vines can easily grow up to 15' in a season, with a 2' to 3' spread. The fruit produced by this plant is an oval berry, a little larger than a chicken egg. Passion fruit is edible, but seedy. It can be used to make jelly, but its best usage may come from being a food source for several species of butterfly and hummingbirds.