Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Passifloraceae
Botanical Name
Passiflora quadrangularis
Plant Common Name
Giant Granadilla
General Description
This spectacular, large-fruited woody vine is native to both South America and the West Indies, although its origin is debated because it was cultivated so early and may have traveled somewhat as cultures discovered its crop. In any case, this is a tropical climber that may survive colder conditions where it will die back to the ground and recover from the roots. The plants are evergreen, sprouting into long stems that root as they touch ground, with the potential to be somewhat invasive. The leaves are lobed, dark-green and leathery, but born somewhat sparsely. The vines can become very large and climb by tendrils produced in the leaf axils (joint between the leaves and stems).
The gorgeous flowers are produced singly or in pairs. They have prominent, pronged reproductive structures surrounded by an exceptionally large cup-shaped fringe of dense showy filaments striped in purple and yellow green. They are absolutely exquisite close up. This is a long bloomer, showing color nearly all year around in frost-free climates where it thrives. The large greenish yellow to orange fruit are the size of a hefty garden cucumber and are sweet and delicious when ripe. While plants can be grown in a sunny room or greenhouse they are really too large to perform there. Generally, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Grow passion vines on trellises or other supports for the lovely flowers and abundance of butterflies and hummingbirds they attract. Passionflowers are nectar sources and the leaves are larval food for several butterfly species, but the caterpillars can cause the leaves to look tattered and chewed.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
0'-50' / 0.0m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Latin America and the Caribbean, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Purple, Salmon
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Fruit Color
Orange, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hanging Basket, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
