Purple Passionflower

Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), also known as Maypop, is a fast-growing native vine prized for its intricate, otherworldly flowers and ability to attract pollinators. This vigorous climber brings exotic beauty to arbors, trellises, and fences while supporting native wildlife. It�s one of the few passionflowers hardy in temperate climates, making it a standout in northern and southern gardens alike.

Distinctive Features

The flowers of Passiflora incarnata are striking, with lavender-purple petals, a fringed corona, and a complex central structure that gives the bloom a tropical, alien-like appearance. Each flower lasts only a day or two, but the vine produces blooms in succession from mid-summer through fall. Following flowering, edible fruits known as �maypops� form�greenish-yellow, egg-shaped, and mildly sweet. The lobed leaves provide a lush, full backdrop and serve as host foliage for Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterfly caterpillars.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10

Ideal Uses

• Focal point on arbors, trellises, or chain-link fences
• Pollinator gardens and native plant landscapes
• Edible landscapes and food forests
• Wildlife gardens supporting butterfly habitat
• Naturalizing in meadows and informal settings

Low Maintenance Care

• Cut back hard in late winter to control spread and rejuvenate growth
• Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Water regularly during establishment
• Remove suckers to prevent unwanted spreading
• Protect from harsh winters in colder zones with mulch or sheltered placement

Why Choose Purple Passionflower

• Unmatched flower complexity and beauty
• Native perennial that supports butterflies and pollinators
• Edible fruit adds utility to ornamental value
• Hardy and reliable in a wide climate range
• A whimsical focal point for vertical and wild spaces

Purple Passionflower blends native resilience with exotic floral appeal, making it a captivating and ecologically valuable focal point in pollinator gardens, edible landscapes, and ornamental trellises.