Overview
Passiflora coriacea is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Passiflora, part of the Passifloraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Passiflora coriacea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, sub-tropical, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wall side borders and edible fruit.
About
Passiflora coriacea, commonly known as the wild sweet calabash or bat leaved passion flower, is a tropical vine in the family Passifloraceae. It is fast-growing, with distinct bi-lobed leaves resembling bat wings and purple ornamental fruit that are oval in shape. The leaves are coriaceous (leathery), hence the name. The yellowish-green flowers are typically 2.5 - 3.5 cm wide and form a terminal raceme. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, sub-tropical, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wall side borders and edible fruit. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, west-facing and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Passiflora coriacea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Passiflora
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Passiflora coriacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wall side borders, Edible fruit
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Passiflora coriacea
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring, take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layer in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, mealybugs and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a virus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Passiflora coriacea?
Passiflora coriacea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Passiflora coriacea need?
Passiflora coriacea grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Passiflora coriacea hardy in the UK?
Passiflora coriacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Passiflora coriacea?
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring, take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layer in spring or autumn.
More in the Passiflora genus
- Passiflora aurantia
- Passiflora coccinea (F)red passion flower
- Passiflora colinvauxii
- Passiflora edulis 'Frederick' (F)
- Passiflora herbertiana (F)
- Passiflora racemosa 'Buzios'red passion flower 'Buzios'
- Passiflora racemosa 'Diva'red passion flower 'Diva'
- Passiflora subrotunda
