Passionflowers have many varieties, such as shrubs, annuals, perennials, and trees. The best place to plant a passionflower is in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny spot with the shelter of a wall or trellis. Passionflowers produce edible fruits. For fruiting success, place it in a pollinator garden.
The unusual-looking flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall but only last about one day. Passionflowers will die back in the winter. These plants are native to North America, growing from Delaware west to Missouri and south to Texas and Florida, and also grow in Central and South America.
A passionflower has a wide, flat petal base with five or 10 petals in a flat or reflex circle. Passionflowers are rapid growers, coming back every year. They are best planted in spring or early fall while it’s still warm. The plant’s toxicity varies by type, so check which one you are growing if you have small children or pets.
