Passionflower, Blue

Blue Passionflower, Passiflora caerula. Originating from South America, this type of passionflower is primarily enjoyed for its vigorous growth, unusual foliage and striking blue flowers. The native maypop, Passiflora incarnata, is preferred for medicinal use while this species is more suitable for a flower essence and the striking blue flowers are truly medicine for the soul. The vigorous vines can climb over 20 feet in a season and require a sturdy trellis and the unusual foliage creates an excellent privacy screen. The Blue Passionflower is best planted in full sun and well drained soil. A severe extended freeze may kill it back to its roots, but it will often resprout from the base. Perennial. Hardy to Zones 7-8.