Some flowers are so exotic they almost look artificial. The flower of the Passion Flower vine falls into that category.
People who drive on West 11th street in Shawnee between Kickapoo and Aydelotte will see a vine growing on a fence and on a trellis inside the yard that may have as many as 20 purple blooms, each one of them an intricate display of beauty.
Passion Flower is a vine that is native to Oklahoma and to most of the southern states. In our part of Oklahoma most varieties are perennial, however, it helps to mulch them in the winter. The plant can be started from a pot-grown one or from seed.
Once established, it is a fast-growing vine and will cover a trellis in a season.
The flowers begin blooming in May and usually last until July. This year, probably because of the cooler August weather, they have continued to bloom.
An alternate name for them is Maypop. Similar to hibiscus, the blooms last only one day. They close the next day and drop to the ground. More blooms will replace them.
Later in the season the vine will bear fruit which some use as food and others use for medicinal purposes. This vine would not be a good choice for a family that has small children who might pick up the fruit and eat it.
Passion Flower vine needs well-drained soil and must have several hours of sun to promote blooms. Its tendrils attach to a trellis, fence or anything that will support it, including nearby trees or shrubs.
It will grow up to 25 feet unless pruned back. Pruning may be necessary to keep it in check. It also produces suckers that may come up to begin new plants. These many be removed as desired.
Some garden writers suggest placing this vine in a large pot that has support for the vines. It could be moved around the patio or garden and brought in to a sunny room in the winter.
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Some flowers are so exotic they almost look artificial. The flower of the Passion Flower vine falls into that category.
People who drive on West 11th street in Shawnee between Kickapoo and Aydelotte will see a vine growing on a fence and on a trellis inside the yard that may have as many as 20 purple blooms, each one of them an intricate display of beauty.
Passion Flower is a vine that is native to Oklahoma and to most of the southern states. In our part of Oklahoma most varieties are perennial, however, it helps to mulch them in the winter. The plant can be started from a pot-grown one or from seed.
Once established, it is a fast-growing vine and will cover a trellis in a season.
The flowers begin blooming in May and usually last until July. This year, probably because of the cooler August weather, they have continued to bloom.
An alternate name for them is Maypop. Similar to hibiscus, the blooms last only one day. They close the next day and drop to the ground. More blooms will replace them.
Later in the season the vine will bear fruit which some use as food and others use for medicinal purposes. This vine would not be a good choice for a family that has small children who might pick up the fruit and eat it.
Passion Flower vine needs well-drained soil and must have several hours of sun to promote blooms. Its tendrils attach to a trellis, fence or anything that will support it, including nearby trees or shrubs.
It will grow up to 25 feet unless pruned back. Pruning may be necessary to keep it in check. It also produces suckers that may come up to begin new plants. These many be removed as desired.
Some garden writers suggest placing this vine in a large pot that has support for the vines. It could be moved around the patio or garden and brought in to a sunny room in the winter.
