Red Passion Flower Passiflora racemosa
ABOUT
Passiflora racemosa, commonly known as Red Passion Flower, is a visually striking plant notable for its ornate flowers and lush foliage. The flowers are the centerpiece of this plant's beauty, displaying a captivating combination of vivid red petals surrounding a central structure made up of several rings of filaments, which may be banded in white and purple. These filaments form an intricate, coronal structure that is often compared to a crown. Surrounding the central floral structure are three prominent styles that sit atop ovary stalks, making the flower look quite exotic. The stamens extend outward, adding to the flower's intricate design. The floral display is complemented by large, deep green leaves that are glossy and have an oval shape with a pointed tip. The leaves often showcase a slightly serrated edge, providing a lush backdrop for the showy blooms. The Red Passion Flower also produces oval-shaped fruits, which start green and mature to a deep red or purple color. The beautiful contrast between the verdant leaves, red flowers, and colorful fruits makes it a highly ornamental plant that is sought after for its aesthetic appeal. This combination of features gives the Red Passion Flower a tropical appearance that is often used to add an exotic flair to gardens and indoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Passifloraceae
Synonyms
Red Passion Flower, Red Passion Vine
Common names
Passiflora racemosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Passiflora racemosa, commonly known as Red Passion Flower, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. It is always wise to exercise caution and not consume parts of ornamental plants unless they are known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Passiflora racemosa, known as Red Passion Flower, is not typically listed as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it should not be encouraged for pets to consume ornamental plants, ingestion of the Red Passion Flower is unlikely to cause serious poisoning in pets. If large amounts of the plant are ingested, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has consumed a large amount of this plant and is showing adverse symptoms, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Passiflora racemosa, commonly known as the Red Passion Flower, has striking red flowers that add vibrant color and exotic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant is beneficial for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which is essential for the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Shade Provider: Its lush foliage can provide a natural canopy, creating shaded areas that can be used to protect more shade-tolerant plants or to offer cool resting spots in a garden.
- Educational Interest: Passiflora racemosa is a great plant for educational purposes as it can be used to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the life cycle of butterflies that use it as a host plant.
- Cultural Significance: The unique structure of the passion flower often brings cultural and religious significance, which can be a topic of interest and discussion in gardens and educational settings.
- Food Source for Fauna: The plant serves as a food source for the larvae of some butterfly species, playing a role in supporting the local ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic: Passiflora racemosa may have properties that help to reduce anxiety.
- Sedative: The plant may possess sedative effects, potentially aiding in sleep or relaxation.
- Antispasmodic: It might be used to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Red Passion Flower (Passiflora racemosa) can be used in landscape design to create a vibrant floral display, especially when grown over arbors or trellises.
- The striking flowers of Red Passion Flower may serve as inspiration for artists and photographers, often being incorporated into botanical art or used as subjects in photography for their intricate details and vivid colors.
- The vines of Red Passion Flower can be trained to grow on fences, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also a natural privacy screen.
- In educational settings, Red Passion Flower can be used to study pollinator-plant interactions as they attract a variety of insects and birds, which can be observed in a school garden or biology class.
- Red Passion Flower can be part of butterfly gardens, as they serve as a host plant for some species of butterflies, allowing the opportunity to witness their life cycle.
- During cultural festivals or events, the flowers of the Red Passion Flower may be used as ornamental decoration due to their significant and prominent appearance.
- The plant can be used as a backdrop in outdoor summer theatres or open-air stages, providing a lush, tropical feel to the setting.
- Red Passion Flower has potential use in culinary arts, as its vibrant flowers can be used as natural garnish for exotic dishes and desserts, though consumption should only be done with a clear understanding of its edibility.
- In crafting, the dried parts of Red Passion Flower, such as vines and seed pods, can be utilized in creating natural wreaths or other decorative items.
- Red Passion Flower can be grown in large containers or pots where space is limited, such as urban balconies, to bring a touch of nature to concrete-dominated areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRed passion flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRed passion flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Passiflora racemosa, commonly known as Red Passionflower, gets its name from the symbolism associated with the Passion of Christ, as its parts evoke elements of the crucifixion story, such as the crown of thorns.
- Suffering and Sacrifice: The Passionflower often represents the suffering and sacrifice of Christ, alluding to the crucifixion and its significance in Christian theology.
- Mysticism and Glory: The complex structure and vibrant colors of the flower can symbolize the mystical aspects of spirituality and the glory of the heavens.
- Peace and Serenity: In some cultures, the Passionflower is thought to bring peace and calm, offering solace and encouraging a peaceful state of mind.
- Faith: Given its religious connotations, the Passionflower can be a symbol of faith, representing belief and commitment to spiritual or religious paths.
WaterRed Passion Flower should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size of the plant and the pot. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the conditions are very warm or the plant is outside. In winter, reduce watering to every other week, but never let the soil become completely dry. Adjust the schedule as needed to ensure the plant receives consistent moisture without waterlogging.
LightRed Passion Flower thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can handle some direct morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon rays to prevent leaf scorch. A spot near an east or west-facing window would be ideal, allowing it to enjoy the gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
TemperatureRed Passion Flower prefers warmer temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but exposure to temperatures below this can damage or kill the plant. Avoid placing it near drafty windows or doors during the winter months.
PruningPruning the Red Passion Flower helps maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve its overall health. Prune in early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or weak stems and cutting back to healthy growth. Pruning can be done annually or biennially, depending on the plant's vigor and the space it's in.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Passion Vine thrives in a well-draining soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam and 1 part sand or perlite, ensuring proper aeration and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for Red Passion Vine should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingRed Passion Vine should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Fresh soil replenishes nutrients and provides room for root growth, essential for the plant's health.
Humidity & MistingRed Passion Vine prefers high humidity levels, typically between 60% to 80%, to mimic its native tropical environment and encourage lush growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Passion Vine near a bright window with some direct sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant Red Passion Vine in partial shade with support for climbing.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cyclePassiflora racemosa, commonly known as the Red Passion Flower, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in warm, moist soil conditions to produce a small sprout. The sprout develops into a vine with distinctive lobed leaves and a robust root system that anchors the plant and absorbs nutrients and water. As the vine matures, it starts to produce unique, elaborate red flowers, which are pollinated by insects, birds, and bats, leading to the formation of oval, berry-like fruits containing seeds. Once the fruits mature, they fall or are eaten by animals, facilitating seed dispersal. The plant continues to grow and mature, producing more flowers and fruits in a perennial cycle, provided it is in a tropical or subtropical climate, as it cannot withstand freezing temperatures. The vine can also spread vegetatively through cuttings or layering, allowing it to colonize new areas if environmental conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Red Passion Flower, which is Passiflora racemosa, typically involves taking semi-ripe cuttings during the late summer. To do this, cut a length of stem about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) which includes a couple of leaf nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. Provide warmth of about 70°F (21°C) and maintain humidity around the cutting by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Within a few weeks, roots should form, at which point the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot with regular potting soil and gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions.
