Crimson Passionflower Passiflora vitifolia (F)
ABOUT
Passiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the grape-leaved passion flower, is a stunning tropical plant renowned for its distinctive and ornamental flowers. The plant's vines climb with the aid of tendrils, allowing them to spread out and showcase their foliage. The leaves of the grape-leaved passion flower are deeply lobed with three prominent segments, strongly resembling the shape of grape leaves. The foliage is a vibrant green, providing a lush backdrop for the plant’s spectacular flowers. What truly captures the eye are the plant's blossoms. The flowers are large and showy, featuring a complex arrangement of structures. The blooms possess vibrant red petals and sepals that can vary in shade from a bright scarlet to a deeper crimson. At the center, a ring of filamentous structures, known as the corona, displays an array of contrasting colors, typically purple, white, and blue, which encircle the central reproductive parts of the flower. Adding to its exotic appearance, the stamens and styles of the grape-leaved passion flower protrude from the center, extending outward and providing an intricate focal point. Together, the colorful petals, the striking corona, and the prominent stamens and styles give this plant's flowers a complex and almost otherworldly look. While the foliage and flowers are the most noteworthy aspects of this plant's appearance, it also bears fruit. The fruit is an oval berry that can ripen to a yellow or orange color, containing numerous seeds within its fleshy interior. In summary, the grape-leaved passion flower is admired for its beautiful, intricate flowers and attractive foliage, presenting a captivating sight in any garden where it grows.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Passifloraceae.
Synonyms
Grape-Leaf Passionflower, Vineleaf Passionflower, Perfumed Passionflower, Grape-Leaved Passion Flower.
Common names
Passiflora sanguinea, Passiflora pseudovitifolia, Passiflora coccinea var. vitifolia, Passiflora peltata, Passiflora tica.
ToxicityTo humans
Passiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the grape-leaved passion flower, is not recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant. However, it is always recommended to be cautious with any plant consumption as individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause adverse reactions.
To pets
The grape-leaved passion flower is also not typically considered toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, if a pet were to ingest a significant amount of Passiflora vitifolia, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, which is a common reaction to the ingestion of non-edible vegetation. If such symptoms occur, consulting a veterinarian would be advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Central America South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bold red flowers and lush green foliage, the Passiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the "Grape Leaf Passion Flower," adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Pollinator Attraction: The Grape Leaf Passion Flower is known to attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity and the health of surrounding plant life.
- Shade Provision: Because of its vigorous climbing habit, it can provide natural shading when grown over trellises or pergolas, offering a cool retreat in hot weather.
- Privacy Screen: When grown along fences or garden walls, Passiflora vitifolia can act as a living screen, giving privacy to outdoor living spaces.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the plant is used in religious ceremonies or as an ornamental element in celebrations, adding cultural value to its presence in a garden.
- Edible Fruit: Although less common than other passion fruit species, the Passiflora vitifolia produces an edible fruit that can be used in juices, desserts, and other culinary applications.
- Education and Interest: As a species with unique flowering mechanisms and ecological associations, it provides an educational opportunity for people interested in plant biology and pollination ecology.
- Climate Resilience: It is resistant to a variety of climatic conditions, which makes it a hardy plant suitable for many gardens, requiring minimal care once established.
Medical Properties- Anxiolytic Effects: Passiflora vitifolia is considered to possess anxiolytic properties, potentially helping to alleviate anxiety.
- Sedative Actions: Traditionally, it may be used for its sedative effects to aid with sleep disorders.
- Antispasmodic Potential: The plant might be used for its antispasmodic effects, which could help relieve muscle spasms and cramps.
- Analgesic Properties: It is sometimes utilized for its analgesic properties, possibly offering pain relief.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Passiflora vitifolia, also known as the Grape-leaf passion flower, can be used in landscaping for its ornamental value, displaying vibrant red flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
- The plant's tendrils can be studied in botany and biology education as an example of how some plants climb and support themselves.
- Grape-leaf passion flower can serve as a natural dye source; the petals and fruits potentially yield pigments for textiles and crafts.
- The hollowed-out fruits of Passiflora vitifolia are sometimes utilized by children as improvised containers or toys.
- Due to its rapid growth, the plant can be used in tropical areas for quick coverage or for creating natural green screens for privacy.
- The wood of Passiflora vitifolia’s vines, although not very strong, can sometimes be employed in the crafting of small, decorative items or for plant training structures.
- Its attractive flowers make the Grape-leaf passion flower a popular subject for photography and botanical illustration, aiding in promoting conservation awareness.
- The vine’s dense foliage can provide a habitat for small wildlife, such as certain species of birds and insects, thus contributing to biodiversity.
- Passiflora vitifolia is sometimes used in ceremonies or festivals, where its flowers symbolize passion and are included in decorations or floral arrangements.
- In culinary arts, although not a common practice, the fruit can be experimented with as a souring agent or for creating exotic, tropical-flavored concoctions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Grape-leaf Passionflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Grape-leaf Passionflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Passion: Passiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the "Granadilla," is a symbol of passion due to the purported resemblance of its flower parts to aspects of the Passion of Christ — the passionflower's tendrils represent the whips used in the flagellation, the ten petals and sepals symbolize the ten faithful apostles, and other flower parts represent the wounds, nails, and crown of thorns.
- Spirituality and Faith: The religious connotations associated with its name and morphology extend to symbolism of faith and the ability to communicate spiritual or religious beliefs.
- Suffering and Sacrifice: Reflecting the story of the crucifixion, the Granadilla is often associated with themes of suffering and sacrifice, drawing on the narrative of Christ's passion and death.
WaterThe Grape Leaf Passionflower should be watered whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once every week, but this could vary depending on climate and indoor conditions. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, which usually takes about 1-2 gallons for a medium-sized plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently; always check the soil moisture level before watering. During fall and winter, you can reduce watering to every other week, depending on humidity levels.
LightThe Grape Leaf Passionflower requires a bright spot with indirect sunlight. It thrives in east-facing or south-facing windows where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the intense afternoon sun. Partial shade is ideal, particularly during the hottest parts of the day, to prevent leaf burn.
TemperatureThe Grape Leaf Passionflower prefers a warm climate and can tolerate temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant shouldn't be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold drafts and frost can severely damage or kill it.
PruningPruning the Grape Leaf Passionflower encourages healthier growth, maintains shape, and prevents it from becoming too tangled. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead or overgrown stems to improve air circulation and cut back stems to control the plant’s size and encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when the plant appears overgrown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Grape-leaf Passionflower prefers well-draining, rich soil with high organic matter. A mix of peat, loam, and compost with perlite or sand for improved drainage is ideal. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingGrape-leaf Passionflower should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid stressing the plant.
Humidity & MistingGrape-leaf Passionflower thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. It benefits from a humid environment but can tolerate lower humidity if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Grape-leaf Passionflower near a sunny window; support climbing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade; train on a trellis or fence.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cyclePassiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the Grape-leaved Passion Flower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination, emerges from the soil as a seedling. The seedling establishes itself and develops into a vigorously climbing vine, often utilizing other plants for support. As it matures, it produces complex and ornate flowers, characterized by reddish petals and a central crown of radial filaments. Following pollination, typically facilitated by insects, the flowers give way to oval-shaped fruits that contain numerous seeds. When the fruit ripens, it falls to the ground or is eaten by animals, leading to seed dispersal. The cycle is completed when these seeds germinate in a suitable location, giving rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The Passiflora vitifolia, commonly known as the Grape-leaf Passionflower, is typically propagated by seed or cuttings, with cuttings being the most popular method. This method is often preferred as it tends to be faster and more reliable than growing from seeds. To propagate by cuttings, semi-hardwood stems are selected during the plant's active growth period, usually in the spring to summer. A cutting of about 6 to 10 inches (approximately 15 to 25 cm) with several leaf nodes is taken, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until new growth indicates that rooting has occurred. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged is critical for the cuttings to thrive and establish a strong root system.
