Lavender Lady Passiflora 'Amethyst'
ABOUT
Passiflora 'Amethyst', commonly known as the Amethyst Passionflower, is a captivating ornamental plant known for its striking flowers and lush foliage. The flowers are the most distinctive feature, presenting a mesmerizing display of vibrant purple and lavender shades. They typically have a complex structure, with a set of fringe-like rays that encircle the central parts of the flower. These rays are banded with darker and lighter tones of purple, giving the impression of a royal crown. The central part of the Amethyst passionflower is an intricate arrangement of reproductive elements, including a column of filaments topped by an array of anthers and a singular, prominent style. This is framed by five greenish-white sepals and five purple petals that may be reflexed back. The petals and sepals together give a layered appearance to the flower, with the petals sitting close to the reproductive structures and the sepals underneath them. Foliage on the Amethyst Passionflower tends to be deep green, providing a lush background that contrasts beautifully with the ornate flowers. Leaves are usually three-lobed, although some may have more lobes, with a glossy texture and prominent veining. The lobes can be elongated and sometimes have a slightly serrated edge. The plant also produces tendrils that aid in its ability to climb and support itself on structures or other vegetation. These spiraled tendrils are delicate yet strong, allowing the plant to gracefully traverse its surroundings. After flowering, the Amethyst Passionflower may produce egg-shaped fruits that start out green and may mature to a yellowish hue. However, the focus of admiration is usually on the exquisite blooms that can appear throughout the growing season under the right conditions.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Amethyst Passionflower, Amethyst Passion Flower
Common names
Passiflora 'Amethyst'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Passion Flower is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. Most species, including the Passiflora 'Amethyst', can be grown in the garden without posing a significant risk if accidentally ingested. Some parts of certain species can even be used in food or traditional medicine. However, it's important to note that some people may be sensitive or allergic to plant parts or to certain compounds present in the plant, which could cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
The Passion Flower is not typically toxic to pets. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals can sometimes experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities of the plant, but this is not common. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergies that could lead to mild symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. It's always best to prevent pets from eating plants not specifically meant for them to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Passiflora 'Amethyst', commonly known as Lavender Lady, produces attractive flowers with a unique structure and vibrant colors, which add aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides nectar for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
- Shade Provider: The vine's fast growth and dense foliage can create shaded areas in the garden, offering relief from the sun during hot weather.
- Screening Plant: Due to its vigorous climbing habit, Lavender Lady can be used to cover fences, walls, or trellises, providing privacy and screening unsightly views.
- Educational Interest: The complex structure of the flowers can be used for educational purposes to study plant biology and pollination mechanisms.
- Cultural Significance: Passiflora has symbolic meanings in various cultures, often representing passion or the elements of the crucifixion of Christ, which can add layers of significance to a garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- **Eco-friendly fabric dye:** The vibrant purple color of the Passiflora 'Amethyst' flowers can be used to create natural fabric dyes for clothing and textiles.
- **Artistic inspiration:** The intricate structure of the Amethyst flower is often used as a motif or inspiration in various forms of art, from painting to textile design.
- **Culinary decoration:** The edible flowers can be used to add a splash of color and exotic flair to salads, desserts, and cocktails.
- **Photography subject:** With its striking colors and unique floral pattern, Amethyst makes an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- **Educational tool:** This hybrid can be used to demonstrate plant hybridization, genetics, and horticultural techniques in academic settings.
- **Insect habitat:** The dense foliage and flowers of the Amethyst serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- **Relaxing visual element:** Incorporating Amethyst in garden design can contribute to a serene visual environment, which may help in reducing stress levels.
- **Special occasions:** Due to its exotic look and rarity, Passiflora 'Amethyst' can be used in bouquets or arrangements for weddings or other special events.
- **Natural confetti:** Dried Passiflora petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for celebrations and events.
- **Crafting material:** The unique structure of the dried seed pods or the tendrils of the plant can be used in various craft projects or as components in jewelry making.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Passionflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Passionflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: As its common name, passion flower, suggests, Passiflora 'Amethyst' symbolizes intense passion and emotions. Its intricate structure is often associated with the passion of Christ, which is where its name originates.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: The complex beauty of the passion flower often represents a journey towards enlightenment or a spiritual awakening, due to its radial filaments which can be seen as a crown or halo.
- Purity: Despite its name, the passion flower can also signify purity and chastity. The white and purple colors of the Passiflora 'Amethyst' are traditionally associated with innocence and purity.
- Martyrdom: The parts of the flower are frequently viewed as symbolic of the elements of the crucifixion, including the lashes received by Jesus or the crown of thorns. Therefore, it can represent martyrdom or the suffering one endures for their faith or convictions.
- Peace: The passion flower is also known to represent peace and tranquility, embodying the idea of bringing calm and serenity to one's life.
- Exotic Beauty: With its unique and striking appearance, the flower symbolizes exotic beauty, standing out with its unusual structure and vibrant colors.
WaterThe Passion Flower 'Amethyst' should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once every week, but this can vary depending on climate and season. Provide enough water to moisten the soil all the way to the root zone, which usually amounts to around 1-1.5 gallons for a mature plant in a large pot or in the ground. Reduce watering in the winter when plant growth slows down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and any excess water can escape.
LightPassion Flower 'Amethyst' thrives best in full to partial sun exposure. It should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Optimal growth and flowering occur when it's placed in a spot that has morning sunlight and light shade in the afternoon, which helps to prevent leaf scorch during the hottest part of the day.
TemperaturePassion Flower 'Amethyst' prefers a temperate range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees at night and up to 90 degrees during the day. Its growth can be hindered if temperatures fall below 50 degrees or exceed 90 degrees for prolonged periods.
PruningPassion Flower 'Amethyst' should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or overgrown branches, and encourage bushier growth. The best time for pruning is in early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to remove spent flowers and seed pods.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Passionflower 'Amethyst', a well-draining, light soil mix is essential, comprising equal parts peat, coarse sand, and loam. The ideal pH for this mix should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Regular checking and balancing of pH can help maintain optimal growth conditions.
RepottingPassionflower 'Amethyst' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate its fast-growing roots. It's best to repot in the spring before the new growth starts. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one to avoid overwatering issues.
Humidity & MistingPassionflower 'Amethyst' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, preferably between 40% to 60%. Maintaining these humidity levels will support healthy growth, especially during the flowering season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep warm.
Outdoor
Provide full sun to partial shade and shelter.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Passiflora 'Amethyst', also known as Lavender Lady, begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and can be sped up by soaking the seeds prior to planting. Once germinated, the seedling stage lasts until the plant develops its first true leaves and established root system. The vegetative stage follows, where the plant experiences rapid growth, developing climbing vines, characteristic deep-green foliage, and adopting its climbing habit by seeking support structures. During the flowering stage, Passiflora 'Amethyst' produces intricate, fragrant purple flowers; under suitable conditions, this may lead to the pollination stage, often facilitated by insects, resulting in the formation of fruit. The fruit-bearing stage sees the growth of oval-shaped, yellowish fruits that contain numerous seeds, thereby completing the lifecycle if these seeds lead to new plants. Finally, in regions with colder climates, the plant may enter a dormancy stage during winter, where growth slows down or pauses until favorable conditions return in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Fall
The most popular method of propagation for the Passionflower 'Amethyst' is through cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a section of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. The cut end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm environment with indirect light. Roots usually develop within several weeks, after which the new Passionflower plant can be gradually acclimated to more light and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.
