Passiflora x alato-caerulea, passionflower, is a twining evergreen vine with purple flowers - that emerge in summer and fall. This vine does need support on a trellis or arbor and will grow to 16 feet long. It can be propagated by cutting or seed and thrives in Zone 9, preferring well drained soil and moderate watering. Try it in a large container with a trellis.

Passiflora x alato-caerulea is cross between P. alata and P. caerulea. P. x belotii is a hybrid of P. alata and P. caerulea. Both have purple blossoms and grow to 16 feet long. There are other Passiflora that are a bit shorter (Passiflora sanguinolenta and Passiflora manicata) and some that are longer (Passiflora ‘Coral Seas’ and Passiflora edulis). Passiflora edulis is the fruiting species.

Passiflora will attract adult butterflies to feed. If you have this plant, please let us know what butterflies come to feed. Passiflora are also a host plant to Gulf Fritillary, (Agraulis vanillae), a butterfly dependent upon garden plants to survive.