Talk About the Passion...

I have a passion for passion flowers. Not surprising, I suppose: it's my mother's favourite flower, and I guess her preference rubbed off on me. They sprouted wild along the roadsides where I grew up. Maypops, we called them, because they formed a seed pod that could be stomped on to make a most satisfactory popping noise. The most beautiful, miraculous weed imaginable!


Last year I purchased two passiflora incarnata plants from a reputable mail order nursery, and planted them in a tub on my deck. Before the growing season ended they put out a few blooms. I brought the tub into the house, keeping it in a bright spot...after all the leaves fell off I cut the plants way, way back as instructed. During the winter, I kept those stubby stems alive with occasional waterings.

In spring, they sent out new tendrils and pretty leaves. After the "last frost" date, I shifted the tub onto the deck--adding a newly rooted tendril (which I accidentally knocked off). It grew like crazy, so now I have a third plant!

All summer long, I was rewarded with bloom upon bloom.


I've let one seed pod grow and ripen, and plan to pop it very soon.



After a brief rest, many more buds formed--the first one (pictured above) opened this morning.


Success went to my head. This year I bought the showy red one called Lady Margaret--how could I resist? The catalog claimed it blooms "spring, summer, and fall," which is perfectly accurate. It's delirious happy on the screen porch.


I found out there's a Passiflora Society International. As I'm growing only two varieties, they probably wouldn't want me as a member....But nice to know my mother and I are not alone in adoring this glorious flower!