Botanical name: Passiflora caerulea
Family: Passifloraceae
Blue Passionflower also called Bluecrown Passionflower, Southern Beauty, Wild Apricot, Jesus Flower or Passion Flower is a rampant climber which is ideal for a trellis or a hanging basket . If left unpruned, the plant can become unrully. The stems bear deeply-lobed leaves, tendrils and short-lived flowers all through the growing season. It bears fragrant blue-white flowers with a prominent fringe of filaments in bands of blue, white and brown. The fruits are orange, small, oval-shaped, edible but bland. Blue Passionflower is native to the rain forests of Brazil and Argentina where it grows by clinging on tree trunks by use of the tendrils.
Blue Passionflower prefer bright light conditions with some direct sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal. Learn how to ensure your plant receives the correct light in this guide on understanding light for houseplants
Keep the soil moist at all times for Blue Passionflower and never allow the soil to dry out. Reduce watering during the cold period. Avoid waterlogging as it can lead to Root-rot Disease. Learn more on how to water houseplants.
Average warmth with a minimum of 130C is ideal for Blue Passionflower. Cool nights and warm days with a 150C are necessary to trigger flower buds. Protect the plant from cold and hot draughts. Learn more on temperature for houseplants.
Blue Passionflower prefers high humidity. Mist the leaves daily or set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity.
Feed Blue Passionflower with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks. To promote flowering apply a phosphorous-rich fertilizer weekly during bud formation. Find out more on how to feed houseplants.
Repot Blue Passionflower during the growing season only when the plant is extremely pot-bound; it blooms more when pot-bound. Do not repot a plant that is in flower. Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to Root-rot Disease. The soil should be rich in organic matter and free-draining. Large plants can be top-dressed by replacing the top 3-4 in of soil with fresh soil.
Pruning Blue Passionflower is easy. Remove dead flowers to maintain your plant neat and tidy. Pinch off the growing tips to encourage compact growth and prevent the plant from getting unruly. After flowering, cut back the stems to rejuvenate growth. Learn more on how to prune houseplants.
Blue Passionflower can be propagated at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings or from seeds.
Propagating Blue Passionflower from stem-tip cuttings
Take a 4-6 stem-tip cutting from a healthy Blue Passionflower plant. Insert the cutting in moist free-draining soil. Place the set up in a warm well-lit spot. Maintain the soil moist through out until the new plants are well established.
Propagating Blue Passionflower from seeds
Sow Blue Passionflower seeds about 1/2 in. deep in moist free-draining soil. Cover the set up with a plastic sheet to create a greenhouse effect. Place the set up in a warm well-lit place. Maintain the soil moist through out until the plants are well established. Gradually remove the plastic cover to acclimatize the new plants to ordinary growing conditions.
Yellowing leaves and leaf drop in Blue Passionflower is due to too little light; the plant prefers bright light with some direct sunlight. The other cause is underwatering; maintain the soil consistently moist and never allow the soil to dry out completely.
The causes of flower bud drop in Blue Passionflower are two. One reason is underwatering; maintain the soil consistently moist and never allow the soil to dry out completely. The other reason is underfeeding; feed Blue Passionflower every 4 weeks with a balanced water soluble fertilizer and a phosphorous-rich fertilizer during bud formation.
Yellow and wilting leaves in Blue Passionflower are due to underwatering; maintain the soil consistently moist and never allow the soil to dry out completely.
The common pests in Blue Passionflower are Spider Mites, Aphids and Scale Insects.
One common disease in Blue Passionflower is Powdery Mildew which is characterized by grey mould on leaves. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid conditions. Avoid misting and improve air circulation.
Blue Passionflower (passiflora caerulea) plants are toxic to pets. If ingested they can cause a vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep these plants from the reach of pets.
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