Passiflora foetida
Passiflora foetida · Passifloraceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around passiflora foetida and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Stinking passionflower
- Family
- Passifloraceae
- Form
- Climbing plant (vine)
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (June-October)
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-persistent
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (grow in warm regions or under glass)
- Adult size
- 3 to 5 m in height
- Origin
- Central and South America
Care
Light and location
Place your stinking passionflower in a sunny position, ideally with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It appreciates a warm, sheltered location protected from strong winds. In cold regions, grow it in a greenhouse or conservatory to allow it to develop fully.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-drained during the growing season (spring-summer), watering regularly without letting it become waterlogged. Reduce watering in autumn-winter. Check that water doesn't accumulate at the base, as the plant dislikes excessive moisture.
Soil and substrate
Prepare rich, well-drained potting mix, slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of horticultural compost, mature compost and perlite ensures good aeration. In containers, good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Feeding
Apply a balanced or phosphorus-potassium-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the active growing season (spring-summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn-winter to respect the plant's natural resting phase.
Pruning and training
Train the stems regularly onto a support or trellis to guide growth. Carry out maintenance pruning in late winter to remove dead wood and balance the shape. Reduce overly vigorous stems without excess to encourage harmonious branching.
Pest and disease prevention
Watch for scale insects and spider mites, particularly under glass. Check foliage regularly and treat early with insecticidal soap if needed. Ensure good air circulation to limit fungal problems.
Overwintering
In temperate regions, bring the plant indoors before the first frosts or protect it under fleece. Reduce watering drastically and place it in a cooler, brighter location. This dormancy promotes better flowering the following year.
Did you know?
The Passiflora foetida owes its scientific name to the Latin word 'foetida' (foul-smelling): its leaves release an unpleasant odour when crushed, which is believed to have served as a defence mechanism against insects. Despite this off-putting smell, the plant produces extraordinarily exotic flowers and its edible fruits, though small, are traditionally consumed in South America where it grows wild.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Passion flowerPassiflora incarnata
- Passion fruitPassiflora edulis
- White passionflowerPassiflora subpeltata
- Bluecrown passionflowerPassiflora caerulea
- Corkystem passionflowerPassiflora suberosa
- Yellow passionflowerPassiflora lutea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.