Passion flower 'Snow Queen' Passiflora 'Snow Queen' (PBR)

Water

The passion flower 'Snow Queen' should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. A thorough watering is required, which in practical terms means applying water slowly until it begins to drain through the bottom of the pot. For an average-sized plant, this could be approximately 16-24 ounces every 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant will need more frequent watering, while in fall and winter less water is required. Always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as passion flowers do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.

Light

Passion flower 'Snow Queen' thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate direct morning sunlight. It is best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day, though avoiding the intense midday sun which could scorch the leaves. An east- or west-facing window would be ideal for providing the appropriate amount of light for this plant.

Temperature

Passion flower 'Snow Queen' prefers temperatures between 60-80°F for optimal growth. It can survive temporarily outside of this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F, as it may not survive frost conditions. Avoid placing the plant in areas with cold draughts or sudden temperature fluctuations to keep it healthy.

Pruning

Pruning passion flower 'Snow Queen' encourages bushier growth and healthier vines. It is best pruned in early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or overgrown stems to improve air circulation and shape the plant. Pruning can be done annually, and it's also a good time to cut back any excessive growth to maintain the desired size and form of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Passionflower 'Snow Queen' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite in equal parts is ideal for ensuring good drainage and aeration. Incorporate organic matter like compost to enrich the soil and support healthy growth.

Repotting

The Passionflower 'Snow Queen' should typically be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Passionflower 'Snow Queen' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 60%. It will benefit from daily misting or a humidity tray to maintain the desired humidity around the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep in a warm spot.

• Outdoor

  Place in partial shade, protect from strong winds and frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Passiflora 'Snow Queen' (PBR), commonly known as the Snow Queen passionflower, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring or early summer. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vigorous, climbing vine with distinctive lobed leaves, and will actively grow with adequate sunlight, warmth, and water. Throughout the growing season, the plant produces large, white, ornate flowers with a central filigree of purple filaments, which are attractive to pollinators, particularly bees. Following pollination, the flowers may give way to oval-shaped, yellow-orange fruit if conditions are favorable and a compatible pollinator is present. The passionflower vine goes through a period of dormancy in colder months, where growth slows down substantially, and it may lose some or all of its leaves depending on the climate. With proper care, the Snow Queen passionflower can resume vigorous growth each spring, returning to a blooming phase and potentially repeating this cycle for several years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Passiflora 'Snow Queen' is through semi-ripe cuttings, usually taken during late summer. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) section just below a node, making sure that there are at least two or three nodes present. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, like a peat and perlite combination. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity and keep it in indirect light at temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually planted out.