Create an exotic paradise by trying one of these stunning and easy climbers
Words
Marc Rosenberg
Passion flowers are the definition of easy exotics, bearing blooms so spectacular and intricate that they’d look at home in the glasshouse of a botanical garden.
In fact, passion flowers are a breeze to grow at home, and although some are hardier than others (see our guide), no other climber offers such potential to transform your trellis.
The RHS Award of Garden Meritholding blue passion flower, Passiflora caerulea, is most commonly grown due to its vigour, hardiness, flower power and golden egg-shaped fruit in autumn, but here we look at jaw-droppingly beautiful alternatives that’ll scramble up any fence or wall and create an exotic paradise.
■ Passion flowers bloom profusely when root growth is restricted. This makes them ideal for container growing or planting in borders where soil space is limited, such as next to the footings of a fence post, or by a patio.
■ Although well-drained, reasonably fertile soil in a sunny, sheltered position is recommended, passion flowers aren’t fussy about pH, thriving in alkaline or acidic soils. If your soil is heavy, add horticultural grit at planting time to improve drainage. When planting into pots, choose a container with good drainage and use John Innes No 3 compost.
■ Unless growth is sluggish, which is unlikely, don’t feed regularly during the growing season. A summertime nutrient boost can lead to vast amounts of unwanted foliage which is often produced at the expense of flowers.
■ Exotic doesn’t mean drought-resistant: passion flowers are thirsty and will thank you for regular summer watering. Take care to avoid le ing plants in containers dry out.