Corkystem passionflower
Passiflora suberosa · Passifloraceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around corkystem passionflower and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-August)
- Mature size
- 3 to 5 m in length
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (10-12 °C minimum)
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical America
- Growth habit
- Woody climbing plant
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate regularly moist during growth, without excess water. Reduce watering in winter. Passiflora fear both prolonged drought and stagnant moisture which promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Place the plant in full sun to partial shade. It needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day to flower well. Indoors, position it near a very bright window, preferably facing south or west.
Soil preparation
Use a well-draining, light substrate rich in organic matter (mix of potting soil, compost, perlite). Neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and training
Prune regularly to guide growth and control spread. Remove dead or diseased branches. Light pruning after flowering promotes branching and new fruiting.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growth period (spring-summer). Reduce applications at the end of summer. Choose a fertilizer with a slight potassium surplus to encourage flowering.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites and scale insects, especially in dry air. Good air circulation reduces risks. In excessive moisture, mold can appear on foliage or stems.
Did you know?
Passiflora suberosa fascinates gardeners with its spectacular flowering: its flowers display a crown of colored filaments (corona) that resemble a mysterious halo. Native to the tropics, it is also known as the preferred host plant for Heliconius butterflies, as their larvae feed specifically on its leaves.
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
- Passiflora foetidaPassiflora foetida
- Yellow passionflowerPassiflora lutea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.