Introduction
Passion fruit is an evergreen, flowering vine from Brazil that climbs by tendrils. Its height and spread varies depending on the structure it climbs on. The flower is a nice purple and white and generally reaches a width of 3 to 5 inches. Each unique flower lasts about one day, appearing in the summer and early fall. The showy fruit grows 2 ½ to 3 inches long and is edible and often used in juices. It is quite tasty and is occasionally served fresh. The evergreen leaves are deeply cut into three lobes with entire margins.
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Passiflora edulis
Pronunciation: pass-siff-FLOR-ruh ED-yoo-liss
Common name(s): passion fruit, purple granadilla
Family: Passifloraceae
Plant type: vine
USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11 (Figure 4)
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: native to South America
Invasive potential: caution – may be recommended by UF/IFAS faculty but should be managed to prevent its escape (reassess in 2 years)
Uses: screen; attracts butterflies; attracts hummingbirds; cascading down a wall
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
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Description
Height: depends upon supporting structure
Spread: depends upon supporting structure
Plant habit: spreading
Plant density: dense
Growth rate: fast
Texture: medium
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: lobed
Leaf shape: ovate
Leaf venation: palmate; pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: purple, white
Flower characteristic: summer flowering; fall flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: oval
Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches
Fruit cover: dry or hard
Fruit color: yellow
Fruit characteristic: suited for human consumption
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: green
Current year stem/twig thickness: medium
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in full sun
Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay
Drought tolerance: moderate
Soil salt tolerances: poor
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: no special winter interest
Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
Passion fruit can be supported on a fence, trellis, or arbor. Fertilize 2 or 3 times each year to maintain vigorous growth.
Passion fruit is moderately drought tolerant and can be grown in different soils. This plant does require a position in the landscape that receives full sun for best flowering and fruit production. Passiflora alatocaerulea is widely planted and forms no fruit. There are many other exotic or introduced Passiflora species grown in tropical climates.
There are at least six native species of Passiflora in Florida: incarnata, lutea, multiflora, pallens, sexflora, and suberosa. Passiflora incarnata is by far the most showy with pink and purple 4-inch-wide flowers appearing in the warm months. Although its natural range extends only slightly into south Florida, it can probably be grown in most of south Florida with little trouble. In most cases, this plant would be preferable over introduced species such as Passiflora foetida, which has become invasive in Palm Beach County and is spreading.
Passion fruit is propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Pests and Diseases
Nematodes can be a serious problem.
Caterpillars slow growth by eating foliage.