Passionflowers: A Comprehensive Guide to 17 Stunning Varieties

Passionflowers are truly captivating plants, with their vibrant colors, intricate blooms, and unique shapes. While many people are familiar with the purple passionflower, there are actually over 600 known species and 700 recorded hybrids in the Passiflora genus. These plants come in a surprising range of colors, sizes, and forms, making them a delightful addition to any garden. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 17 of the best passionflower species and hybrids to grow at home.

The Diversity of Passionflower Varieties

Table of Contents

Passionflowers are known for their striking beauty and ornamental value. From delicate purple petals to bold red blooms, there is a passionflower variety to suit every taste. Here are some of the most common and worthwhile species and hybrids to consider growing in your own garden:

Blue
Blue Bouquet
Cincinnata
Citrina
Damsel’s Delight
Elizabeth
Gritensis
Incense
Lady Margaret
Passionfruit
Perfumed
Purple
Red Banana
Red
Scarlet
Stinking
Winged-Stem

Each of these varieties offers its own unique characteristics and growing requirements, making them a fascinating choice for any passionate gardener.

1. Blue: The National Flower of Paraguay

The Blue passionflower, or P. caerulea, is native to South America and holds the title of the national flower of Paraguay. This species has been crossbred with others to create beloved hybrids such as ‘Constance Eliott’ and ‘Pretty Tina’. The cream-colored petals with blue, white, and burgundy filaments make this variety a standout choice for any garden.

2. Blue Bouquet: A Heavy Bloomer

The hybrid ‘Blue Bouquet’ is a popular choice for its purple, almost blue flowers with white and magenta rings at the center. With 30-foot vines covered in three-inch blossoms during the summer, this variety is a real showstopper. While not known for its fruit, the abundant blooms make ‘Blue Bouquet’ a striking addition to any garden.

3. Cincinnata: A Rare Beauty

P. cincinnata, native to Brazil, features deep purple flowers with a hint of red. While not commonly seen in cultivation, this species has been crossed with others to create outstanding hybrids like ‘Frizzle King’ and ‘Liliana’. With long, wavy-edged corollas, Cincinnata is a unique and captivating passionflower variety.

4. Citrina: A Houseplant Favorite

Described by botanist John M. MacDougal, P. citrina boasts petite yellow flowers and a long blooming period. Often grown as a houseplant, this species offers hybrid cultivars like ‘Becky Speed’ and ‘Polly Molly’. Known for its petite size and year-round blooms, Citrina is a charming addition to any indoor garden.

5. Damsel’s Delight: A Breeder’s Masterpiece

Created by passionflower breeder Myles Irvine, ‘Damsel’s Delight’ is a stunning hybrid with white petals and wavy purple filaments. Originally named ‘Silly Cow’, this cultivar is a beauty with its five-inch-wide flowers. While sterile and not fruit-bearing, Damsel’s Delight is a delightful addition to any garden.

6. Elizabeth: A Taste of Sweetness

Bred by Patrick Worley, ‘Elizabeth’ boasts flat, purple petals with violet and magenta coronas. This robust plant produces profuse four-inch flowers throughout the summer, along with some of the best-tasting fruits in the passionflower family. With its vibrant colors and flavorful fruits, Elizabeth is a must-have for any passionate gardener.

7. Gritensis: A Colombian Charmer

While not common in nurseries, P. gritensis hybrids are some of the prettiest options available. With huge fuchsia petals and salmon-colored coronas, hybrids like ‘Anastasia’ and ‘Grand Duchess’ are a feast for the eyes. For a burst of color and exotic beauty, Gritensis hybrids are an excellent choice.

8. Incense: The Hardy Hybrid

A cross between P. incarnata and P. cincinnata, ‘Incense’ is a stunning purple hybrid with deep purple corona and petals. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Merit, this hybrid can survive temperatures down to 0°F. With its hardiness and beautiful blooms, Incense is a versatile and resilient passionflower variety.

9. Lady Margaret: The Regal Hybrid

Hybrid ‘Lady Margaret’, a cross between P. coccinea and P. incarnata, features long, raspberry-red petals and wavy purple filaments. With its striking colors and intricate details, Lady Margaret is a regal addition to any garden. Available in four-inch pots, this hybrid is a must-have for passionate gardeners.

10. Passionfruit: The Edible Wonder

Purple granadilla (P. edulis) features stunning blooms with frilly curled purple and white filaments. Known for its delicious fruits, this species is a top choice for edible passionfruit production. With its beautiful blossoms and flavorful fruits, Passionfruit is a versatile and rewarding variety for any gardener.

11. Perfumed: A Fragrant Delight

P. vitifolia, known for its heavily fragrant fruit, offers vibrant red flowers with long lanceolate petals. While the unripe fruit is sour, allowing it to ripen produces a sweet treat. With its fragrant blooms and vibrant colors, Perfumed is a delightful and aromatic choice for any garden.

12. Purple: The Native Beauty

P. incarnata, native to North America, features pale purple petals and filaments with a small white ring. This species has given rise to many hybrids, including the pure-white ‘Alba’. Commonly known as “maypops”, Purple passionflower is a versatile and adaptable variety for any garden.

13. Red Banana: The Exotic Beauty

Also known as vanilla passionfruit, P. antioquiensis boasts some of the largest flowers in the passionflower genus. With its bright fuchsia-red petals and almost banana-shaped fruits, this variety is a tropical delight. With its exotic blooms and unique fruit, Red Banana is a standout choice for passionate gardeners.

14. Red: The Brazilian Beauty

The Brazilian native red passionflower, P. racemosa, features salmon-red petals that frame cream-colored filaments and a green anther. This species is known for its stunning blooms and unique coloration. With its vibrant flowers and striking appearance, Red passionflower is a captivating addition to any garden.

Continuing the Passionflower Journey

Passionflowers are truly a diverse and captivating group of plants, offering a plethora of options for passionate gardeners. Whether you’re looking for exotic blooms, flavorful fruits, or a hardy vine, there is a passionflower variety to suit every taste. From the striking Blue Bouquet to the fragrant Perfumed, each variety offers its own unique charm and appeal.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the world of passionflowers, there is always something new and exciting to discover. With their vibrant colors, intricate blooms, and fascinating forms, passionflowers are a delightful addition to any garden. Let your passion for gardening bloom with these stunning passionflower varieties!