What is a Passion Flower?

The passion flower is a perennial plant that is a climbing vine. It is known to grow to about 32 feet high. It is grown in the south eastern United States and throughout Europe. The flowers have five petals ranging in color from blue to purple. It received the name from the cornea that resembles the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during the crucifixion.  It has fruit that is edible in some plants. It was used to treat anxiety and stress because it had a calming effect. It is a woody vine with flowers that grows in ditches and open fields. The 3 inch flower are attractive and begin blooming in July through the first frost. It is an excellent food source for butterflies. There are several different species of the passion flower.

The passion flower grows in well drained soil in full sun.  It needs staking because it grow so tall and gangly. Soil should be kept moist and compost helps the plants thrive. They can take up to a year to grow and make excellent container plants. The plant can be grown from cuttings or seeds. The most popular species is the blue passion flower also known as the common passion flower. The pulp inside the fruit of the flower is used to make jams, and jellies and in herbal teas. The plant has three main active chemicals alkaloids that help lower blood pressure, flavonoids that reduce anxiety and glycosides. It is used  in different parts of the world for treating medical conditions.