Passiflora incarnata       (pass-sih-FLO-ruh in-kar-NAY-tuh)          

Perennial         Sun                    Vine                              Spacing 3-6 Feet

HABIT:  Large, deeply cut leaves, climbs quickly by tendrils. Blooms almost all summer with spectacular purple and white flowers.

CULTURE:        Easy to grow in any soil, drought tolerant. Dies to the ground each winter but returns in spring. Some varieties are evergreen.

USES:              Summer climbing vine, flower display.

PROBLEMS:     The gulf fritillary butterfly larva love this plant and will do some damage. But a little damage is worth it to have this beautiful animal in the garden.

NOTES:            Native from East Texas to Florida. The introduced varieties also have dramatic flowers, but most are not winter hardy. A tea made from the leaves is a relaxing drink and excellent before bedtime. Maypops are the yellow-orange pulp fruit that can be used for jellies and jams.