About
Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) L.H. Bailey (F) is a vigorous evergreen vine that can reach heights of 5 meters. Each leaf consists of three oval leaflets that are slightly hairy, featuring heart-shaped bases and a deep green color. From midsummer through late autumn, this plant produces large flowers, measuring up to 9 cm in diameter, with a mid-pink hue. After blooming, it yields oblong yellow fruits. Only the pulp of these fruits is safe to consume, and it should be fully ripe and yellow-orange before eating; unripe fruit is toxic.
About the genus
Passiflora represents a group of primarily tender, climbing shrubs that utilize tendrils for support. Their foliage consists of either simple or palmately lobed leaves, which are typically evergreen. The genus is known for its strikingly structured flowers adorned with vibrant coronal filaments. These flowers are succeeded by prominent fruits, which are edible in certain species.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant in a greenhouse border or in large pots of peat-free, loam-based compost with bright light, but not direct sun. Water sparingly in winter, but freely in summer and liquid feed once a month with a balanced fertiliser
- Pruning
- Pruning group 11 or 12, if necessary, in early spring
- 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