Passiflora caerulea x racemosa- Passion Flower

The Passiflora caerulea x racemosa is a hybrid variety resulting from the same cross-breeding as the famous 'Amethyst' (possibly the oldest known horticultural hybrid among passionflowers). Robust and relatively cold-resistant (-5C°), this pretty climber is not lacking in vigour or brilliance when its medium-sized flowers appear, quite similar to those of its parent, the blue passionflower, but more colourful, in a relatively deep pink tone with a crown in the colours of the Passion Fruit! Slightly or not fragrant, sometimes producing hollow fruits, they bloom from July to September on foliage cut into dark green lobes, more or less evergreen. Install it in a sunny, sheltered location and loose and deep soil.

Mainly from the tropical areas of South America, passionflowers belong to the large family of Passifloraceae, which includes 400 species and many spontaneous or horticultural hybrids.

The Passiflora caerulea x racemosa' results from the cross-breeding of P. caerulea, native to South America and naturalised in the south of France, and P. racemosa, Brazilian, with purple flowers in racemes. It is a rambling plant with persistent stems that clings to its support using tendrils, reaching 8 to 10 m (26 to 33ft) and spreading over 4 m (13ft). It is characterized by its quadrangular stems covered with leaves cut into 3 to 5 thick oval lobes of a shiny dark green colour, sometimes washed with coppery reflections, more or less evergreen. Its flowering extends from summer to early autumn, in the form of 5-6cm (2in) diameter flowers that constantly repeat on the plant, more abundantly in full sun. Its flowers, slightly fragrant, are formed by pink petals, and the central crown is more or less striated with yellow or very dark purple, reminiscent of the appearance of a passion fruit. The cluster of stamens is cream-green. The unusual shape of the flower, relatively brief, evolves petals and sepals curve, while the filaments' crown folds and straightens to avoid self-pollination. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to rare oval and orange fruits at maturity, measuring 5 to 6 cm (2in) long. These fruits are mostly hollow.

This Passion Flower is not a capricious and difficult plant to cultivate like some orchids. It grows easily in well-drained, light, reasonably deep soil that is not too dry in summer and blooms generously in a sunny and sheltered location. At the end of flowering, pruning consists of reducing the branches to maintain a beautiful habit. With its 8 m (26ft) height and generous exotic flowering, the 'Caerulea x Racemosa' passionflower is a beautiful plant to dress up walls, fences, trellises, and porches or to weave through a hedge. It is also highly appreciated in verandas, where it will withstand cold winters without damage. Lovers of exotic vines will also cultivate the Podranea ricasoliana (pink trumpet vine) and the Mandevilla laxa, which have large white and fragrant flowers.