Blue passionflower - Passiflora caerulea (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Blue passionflower

Also known as: Blue passionfruit, Southern beauty, Jesus flower

The blue passionflower is known for its distinctive bright blue petals with striped patterns. Originally native to South America, it grows as a vine with a long, meandering reach. It produces orange fruits with red pulp. The word "passion" is incorporated in both the common and scientific names because of the flower's cultural association with the Christian "Passion of Jesus" story.

Scientific classification

Species

Blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

3 m to 9 m

Plant Height

4 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

6 cm to 10 cm

Flower Size

Orange

Fruit Color

White, Blue, Purple, Green, Pink, Violet

Flower Color

Green, White, Purple, Brown, Blue, Orange

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Blue passionflower

Distribution of Blue passionflower

Distribution Map

Blue passionflower is only native to South America. Its distribution is diverse but localized, with the main areas being Australia and the southernmost areas of South Africa. In some of these areas, particularly Australia, it's considered invasive because of its rapid spreading habit, stifling local vegetation. It grows naturally on river banks and forest edges.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Margins of forests and gaps

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Blue passionflower peels are good feed

Garden Use

Blue passionflower can grow in orchards. This common flower is used in gardens for beauty and therapeutic value, as it is prized for its extraordinary blooms. As a climbing plant, it is often used to decorate fences, pergolas, or other landscaping structures to provide privacy and visual appeal. It does well in city and courtyard gardens and is often planted with the Giant Bird of Paradise and Gardenia, whose blooms complement the blue passionflower well.

Symbolism

Vision, holiness, sacrifice

Interesting Facts

In an American Indian legend, it is said that the blue passionflower is the daughter of Day. She inherited the warm sunshine of her father and always has a brilliant smile. She is the most beautiful flower of the forest and grassland.

Name Story

Blue passionflower: Passionflower comes from the Italian Fior della Passione or Latin Flos Passionis, based on the appearance and number of its various parts. The fruit and showy flowers are thought to be a structured symbol of Christ’s passion. Its specific epithet, caerulea refers to the meaning of blue and it is referred to as the blue coronal filaments. Hence, it is called Blue passionflower.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Blue passionflower, including the following common varieties :

Blue passionflower 'Clear Sky'Passion flowers 'Snow Queen'Blue passionflower 'Constance Elliot'Passion flowers 'White Wedding'Blue passionflower 'Lavender Lady'

Toxicity

The plant blue passionflower is toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of blue passionflower can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Pet owners should prevent access to blue passionflower and seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion occurs.

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Quickly Identify Blue passionflower

Climbing habit, reaching heights of 10 to over 40 feet (3 to over 12 meters)

Striking blue and white flowers with blue filaments and orange fruits

Saucer-shaped flowers, 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm) wide

Distinctive egg-shaped fruit, transitioning from green to yellow or deep orange

Palmately lobed leaves, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide with twining tendrils

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Care Guide for Blue passionflower

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from South America, blue passionflower thrives in humid conditions similar to tropical rainforests. It exhibits moderate drought tolerance and prefers regular watering weekly to avoid waterlogging. As an evergreen climber, blue passionflower requires careful watering during its growing season to support its vigorous vine growth and blooms.

Fertilize: To nurture blue passionflower, use balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 during growth and switch to high phosphorus during bloom. Apply monthly in spring/summer, and every 6-8 weeks in fall, reducing in winter. Use half-strength doses, monitor for over-fertilization, and adjust feeding based on seasonal needs.

Pruning: Blue passionflower thrives with annual pruning, particularly by cutting back old or overcrowded stems in early spring to boost growth and shape. Light trimming in late spring encourages blooming. This practice improves air circulation and reduces disease, using sharp, clean tools for best results.

Propagation: Blue passionflower is propagated via stem cuttings from healthy plants, ideally with leaf nodes. Use a well-drained soil mix and warm, indirect light. Apply rooting hormone and mist regularly to maintain humidity. Monitor root formation and acclimatize rooted cuttings before transplanting.

Repotting: Repot blue passionflower every 2-3 years in early spring to support its growth. Use a larger pot, a well-draining mix, and ensure adequate sunlight and water post-repotting. Consistency and patience are key for a thriving blue passionflower.

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Images of Blue passionflower

Distribution of Blue passionflower

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Blue passionflower

Care Guide for Blue passionflower

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