Victoria Passion Flower Passiflora × violacea 'Victoria'

Names

• Family

  Passifloraceae

• Synonyms

  Victoria Passion Flower, Red Passion Flower

• Common names

  Passiflora × violacea 'Victoria'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Passionflower, including the variety Passiflora × violacea 'Victoria', is generally considered to have a low toxicity level to humans. Most species in the Passiflora genus are not known to be toxic, and some are used for edible fruits or medicinal purposes. However, some individuals may experience mild adverse reactions if they consume parts of the plant, especially in large quantities. Symptoms of ingesting parts of the plant that could potentially lead to negative effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some species of Passiflora may contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body, but such toxicity is rare and generally associated with ingestion of large amounts of plant material. As with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is generally recommended to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants.

• To pets

  Passionflower is considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets as well. The variety Passiflora × violacea 'Victoria' is unlikely to be harmful to pets in small quantities. However, as with humans, consuming parts of the plant in large amounts could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal distress in animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. While serious toxicity is rare, pets may be more sensitive to certain plant compounds than humans, and it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting the plant to avoid any potential adverse effects. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of passionflower and is showing symptoms of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  10 feet (3 meters)

• Spread

  6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  9

• Native area

  South America

General Benefits

• Attractive Flowers: The Passion Flower has unique, ornate flowers that add an exotic touch to gardens and landscapes.
• Pollinator Friendly: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, providing essential support for local ecosystems.
• Fruit Production: Some varieties of Passion Flower produce edible fruits that can be used in cooking and beverages.
• Fast Growing: It can quickly cover trellises, arbors, and fences, providing quick greenery and shade where needed.
• Adaptability: Passion Flower can adapt to various soil types, making it easier to grow in different garden conditions.
• Diversity: Numerous cultivars and hybrids like 'Victoria' provide a wide range of colors and forms to suit different garden designs.
• Screening Purposes: It can be used to provide privacy or to screen unsightly areas in the garden.
• Cultural Significance: The distinctive flower has religious and cultural significance in many societies, offering an interesting talking point or educational opportunity.

Medical Properties

• Anxiolytic: Passiflora species are known for their potential sedative effects, often used in traditional medicine to help reduce anxiety.
• Sedative: May have calming effects, which could be helpful for promoting sleep and alleviating symptoms of insomnia.
• Antispasmodic: Some Passiflora extracts are used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The fruit of the Passion Flower can be fermented to make wine, providing a unique, tropical flavor profile to homemade alcoholic beverages.
• The dried leaves and flowers can be used to create a potpourri that brings a pleasant, floral fragrance to a room.
• The plant can serve as host for butterfly larvae, especially Fritillary butterflies, supporting biodiversity in a garden.
• Crafted into a natural dye, the pigments from the Passion Flower can be used for textile arts, producing hues of purple and green.
• As a teaching tool in horticulture, it provides a good example of plant hybridization techniques and inheritance patterns when discussing genetics.
• Passion Flower vines can be used as living privacy screens or natural fences, offering both aesthetics and function to landscape design.
• The plant can be used in companion planting to attract pollinators, which benefit surrounding fruits and vegetables in the garden.
• Flowers of the Passion Flower can be used decoratively in food presentation, as an edible garnish on salads, desserts, or drinks.
• The vine tendrils can be artistically arranged and incorporated into floral decorations or eco-friendly crafts.
• Leaves and blooms can be pressed and used in botanical art, for creating herbarium specimens, or for educational displays.

Feng Shui

The Passion Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Passion Flower is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Passion - Derived from the plant's link with the Passion of Christ, as its components are said to symbolize aspects of the crucifixion, with the tendrils representing whips used in the flagellation of Christ, the ten petals and sepals representing the ten faithful apostles, and other features such as the corona representing the crown of thorns.
• Christian Faith - The unique structure of the Passiflora, also known as Passion Flower, has historically been used as a symbol to describe the elements of the crucifixion to indigenous people during Christianization.
• Suffering and Sacrifice - The name "Passion" itself is not a reference to love, but comes from the Latin "passio" meaning suffering or enduring to reflect the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
• Peace - In modern interpretations, the serene beauty of the Passion Flower is often used to symbolize peace and tranquillity, offering solace to those looking upon it.
• Mystery and the Exotic - The intricate and exotic appearance of the Passion Flower also lends itself to symbolizing mystery and the unknown, reflecting the depths and complexity of emotion and spirituality.