Passion flowers — spectacular climbers for balconies and terraces

With its crown-shaped flowers of almost unreal geometry, the passion flower is one of the most spectacular climbers for the balcony. Vigorous, it clings on its own by tendrils to a trellis or railing and is covered in blue or white flowers from June to October. In the sun, a single plant is enough to dress a stretch of wall or form a green screen within a few months.

Our passion flowers

Passiflora caerulea, the blue passion flower, is the hardiest: its white flowers with a crown of blue, violet and white filaments follow one another all summer, followed by very decorative orange egg-shaped fruits. Passiflora caerulea 'Constance Elliot' offers pure ivory-white, delicately scented flowers for a bright balcony. The passion flower trio brings together three plants with different coloured flowers, ideal for covering a large trellis or creating a flowering screen.

Growing passion flower in a pot

Plant your passion flower in a large pot of at least 30 litres with drainage holes, in rich, free-draining compost, in full sun or afternoon sun, sheltered from cold winds. Water regularly in summer, as soon as the surface of the compost is dry, and much less in winter. From May to August, a potassium-rich flowering plant fertiliser encourages blooms; avoid feeds too rich in nitrogen, which push leaves at the expense of flowers.

Training a passion flower

Fix a trellis, mesh or taut wires against the wall or railing: the tendrils will wrap around them on their own. Simply guide the young stems at first to spread the growth. Within a few months the plant forms a dense curtain, perfect as a balcony privacy screen.

Getting through winter

Once established, Passiflora caerulea tolerates frosts of about -10 °C. In pots the roots are more exposed: in very cold weather, protect the container with fleece or an insulating mat and place it against a sheltered wall. If the stems freeze, the plant often regrows from the base in spring. In mild-winter areas, it keeps part of its foliage all year.

Pruning and care

At the end of winter, remove dead wood and damaged stems, then cut side shoots back by half to keep a dense, free-flowering plant. In summer, a light trim is enough to keep its vigour in check. Repot every two or three years into a slightly larger container, or refresh the top layer of compost.

Precautions

The leaves and green fruits of passion flower can be toxic if eaten. The orange fruits of Passiflora caerulea are above all ornamental: it is not the passion fruit sold in shops. Keep it out of reach of young children and pets.

Passion flowers on the balcony

On a sunny balcony, passion flower brings an exotic touch, ideal for an outdoor jungle look. Pair it with the star jasmines and clematis of our Climbers & ground cover collection, and browse our plants for south-facing terraces and our ideas for styling a balcony.