Passiflora mucronata- Passion Flower

The Passiflora mucronata is a botanical variety endemic to the tropical forests of Brazil. This beautiful vigorous climber offers from spring to autumn a constellation of flowers with fine and elegant white petals, topped by delicate pale yellow stamens... but be careful! This fascinating species has the peculiarity of flowering at night, and in mid-morning the flowers close. It is a relatively compact rambler with a height of 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft), which will, therefore, be perfectly comfortable in a terrace pot or on a veranda and brought inside when temperatures drop below a maximum of -2°C (28.4°F).

For the most part, originating from the tropical zones of South America, passionflowers belong to the large family of Passifloraceae, which includes 400 species and many spontaneous or horticultural hybrids.

The Passiflora mucronata is a unique species among passionflowers: indeed, it is the only one pollinated by bats! In the tropical forests of Brazil, it is visited after nightfall by flocks of these small mammals who feast on its sweet nectar. The zygomorphic flowers open in less than 15 seconds until the morning light becomes too insistent. This voluble plant clings to its support with tendrils, reaching an average height of 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft). Its long stems are adorned with glabrous oval leaves of medium green, more or less evergreen. Its flowering extends from July until the beginning of autumn as medium-sized flowers that constantly repeat on the plant. Its lightly scented flowers are formed of tubular and pointed white tepals and petals. Discreet greenish filaments and pale yellow stamens delicately top these.

This Passion Flower is not a capricious and difficult plant to cultivate like some orchids. It grows easily in any well-drained, light, deep soil that is not too dry in summer and blooms generously in the sun in a sheltered location. At the end of flowering, pruning consists of reducing the branches to maintain a beautiful shape. With its compact habit, the Passiflora mucronata will be greatly appreciated in verandas or greenhouses where it will withstand cold winters without damage.