Bare Root Passionflower, Maypop (Passiflora incarnata)

Description: Hardy, late-summer flowering
Habit: Sprawling vine grows to 25’ high and 6’ wide. Climbs by tendrils.
Flowers: Bears bowl-shaped, 3-5” wide pale lavender or purple petals backed by a fringe of wavy, hair-like purple and white filaments.
Fruit: Large, egg-shaped, yellowish green edible berries known as “maypops” that are sweet tart.
Culture: Prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5-9

This unusual native vine is widely distributed in the Southeastern United States. The species was first introduced to Europe in 1699 and listed in Bartram’s Nursery in Philadelphia in 1807. It is the larval host for numerous butterflies and is moderately deer resistant.

Robert Buist noted in The American Flower Garden Directory (1839) that it was “so named on account of its being supposed to represent in the appendages of its flower the Passion of Jesus Christ.”

Native Americans used the root for medicinal purposes.

This plant will ship bare root.

Bare root planting tips:

~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.

~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.

~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.