Blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)

Also known as: Blue passionfruit, Southern beauty, Jesus flower

The blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea) is indigenous to South America, specifically Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. This climbing vine is notable for its striking flowers, which feature a combination of blue and white petals along with a central arrangement of filaments that give it a clock-like appearance. The plant also produces orange, egg-shaped fruit. The term "passion" in its name reflects the flower's historical connection to the Christian narrative of the "Passion of Jesus."

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Blue passionflower

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

3 m to 9 m

Spread

4 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

6 cm to 10 cm

Flower Color

White Blue Purple Green Pink Violet

Images of Blue passionflower

Quickly Identify Blue passionflower

Climbing habit, reaching heights of 10 to over 40 feet (3 to over 12 meters)

Striking blue and white flowers with blue filaments and orange fruits

Saucer-shaped flowers, 2.5 to 3 inches (6.4 to 7.6 cm) wide

Distinctive egg-shaped fruit, transitioning from green to yellow or deep orange

Palmately lobed leaves, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide with twining tendrils

Scientific Classification of Blue passionflower

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Nances, spurges, willows and allies

Family

Passionflowers

Genus

Passion flowers

Species

Blue passionflower

Planting and Growing of Blue passionflower

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Blue passionflower?

Passiflora caerulea requires a moderate amount of water, approximately 500 ml per session. It prefers the soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. The key is to allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again to ensure that the roots receive adequate moisture without drowning.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Blue passionflower?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Passiflora caerulea's ideal light conditions include partial to full sunlight. This range supports vigorous flowering and structural integrity, ensuring the plant remains resilient and productive throughout its growing season.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Blue passionflower?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Passiflora caerulea, commonly known as the blue passionflower, is between 68°F and 77°F. This range provides optimal growing conditions, supporting healthy foliage, vibrant flowers, and sustained growth. Moderate temperatures also ensure that the plant has sufficient energy for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.

What Soil is Best for Blue passionflower?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Passiflora caerulea thrives in nutrient-rich soil, which provides the essential minerals and elements needed for robust growth and vibrant flowers. Good drainage prevents waterlogging, which is crucial for preventing root rot and ensuring healthy growth. The soil should neither be too dense nor too loose, to allow excess water to escape easily. While it enjoys consistent moisture, the soil should not be soggy. Maintaining moderate moisture helps in sustaining the plant during dry spells without drowning its roots. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Blue passionflower?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Passiflora caerulea thrives on balanced nutrition, typically requiring about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water during the growing season. This provides ample nutrients without overwhelming the plant, fostering vibrant growth and blooms. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Blue passionflower?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Look for stems and branches that appear old or are not producing as many flowers. These should be reduced to encourage new growth. Identify and carefully remove any dead or diseased stems at the base. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle approximately 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud. This angle and position help to promote healthy new growth and prevent water accumulation. Trim long stems by about one-third to keep the plant manageable and promote a bushier appearance. This will result in a more compact plant that is full of vibrant flowers. Remove any crossing branches to improve airflow through the plant. This is essential to reduce the risk of fungal diseases and ensure all parts receive adequate sunlight. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Blue passionflower plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Summer

Choose mature and healthy seeds from a reliable source for optimal germination. Inspect them closely for any signs of disease or damage.

Select a healthy parent plant and use pruning shears to cut segments of about 4-6 inches. Remove lower leaves to expose nodes that will develop roots.

Plant seeds directly into a potting mix or insert cutting bases into soil. Ensure the environment is warm and humid to encourage germination and rooting.

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How to Repot Blue passionflower plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Passiflora caerulea requires attention to signals like roots growing through drainage holes or water taking too long to drain. Ideal timing is during active growth in spring or early summer when the plant is most resilient.

When selecting a pot for your Passiflora caerulea, opt for one that is one size larger than the current pot with ample drainage holes. This prevents root rot while allowing roots to expand, ensuring healthy growth and stability.

A well-draining potting mix with organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, ensures your Passiflora caerulea receives necessary nutrients while preventing waterlogging. This balance is vital for vibrant blooms and robust growth.

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Toxicity of Blue passionflower

Is Blue passionflower toxic to cat?

Blue passionflower poses a toxicity risk to cats. If they accidentally consume the plant, particularly its roots, it can lead to poisoning. After ingestion, cats may display signs of discomfort or health issues. Given that cats are inherently inquisitive, it is essential for cat owners to restrict their access to blue passionflower to prevent unintentional poisoning. Should there be any suspicion that a cat has ingested any part of the blue passionflower, it is vital to seek prompt veterinary assistance to protect the cat's health and well-being.

Is Blue passionflower toxic to dog?

The blue passionflower is regarded as toxic to dogs. Canines might unintentionally consume various sections of the plant, especially the roots, which are recognized for their poisonous properties. If a dog ingests any part of the blue passionflower, it may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or even more serious symptoms depending on the quantity consumed. It is vital for dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and restrict access to blue passionflower to prevent accidental poisoning. Should a dog consume this plant, prompt veterinary assistance is critical to ensure suitable treatment and recovery.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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