Purple Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Purple Passionflower is a spectacular native vine with intricate, exotic flowers featuring purple and white petals, wavy filaments, and a distinctive corona. It produces edible fruits called maypops and serves as a crucial host plant for fritillary butterflies.
Passifloraceae (Passionflower family)
Late spring through summer (May-September)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: passiflora alatas and freesias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Spanish missionaries named this "passionflower" because they saw Christian crucifixion symbolism in the flower structure: 10 petals represent apostles (excluding Peter and Judas), 5 stamens represent Christ's wounds, 3 stigmas represent the nails, wavy filaments represent the crown of thorns, and the central column represents the pillar of crucifixion. The name "maypop" comes from the loud popping sound the fruit makes when stepped on. It is essential for fritillary butterfly survival.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering and fruiting; tolerates partial shade with reduced blooms
Water
Average to moist soil; drought tolerant once established; requires good drainage to prevent root rot
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile, Sandy, Loamy, Clay, Adaptable
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in spring after last frost or fall
Provide sturdy support for climbing tendrils
Give plenty of space; spreads vigorously by rhizomes and seeds
Can be aggressive; plant where spreading is acceptable
Cut back dead growth in late winter
Protect rhizomes with mulch in colder zones (hardy zones 6-9)
Fruits ripen July to October; harvest when yellow and soft
Attracts Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterflies
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Arbors and trellises
- Fences and pergolas
- Wildlife and butterfly gardens
- Ground cover for large areas
- Edible landscaping
- Native plant gardens
Traditional Uses
- Leaves and flowers traditionally used to make calming herbal tea for anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness
- Used by Native Americans as poultice for boils, cuts, and inflammation
- Modern research into antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective properties
- Approved in Europe as over-the-counter sedative
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Purple Passionflower
Why is it called Purple Passionflower?
The name "passionflower" comes from Spanish missionaries who saw Christian crucifixion (Passion of Christ) symbolism in the flower's intricate structure, including the crown of thorns, nails, and wounds.
Is Purple Passionflower fruit edible?
Yes, the fruit (called maypops) is edible when ripe (yellow and soft). The pulp has a sweet, tropical flavor similar to guava and can be eaten fresh or made into jelly. The seeds are edible but hard.
Does Purple Passionflower attract butterflies?
Yes, Purple Passionflower is the primary host plant for Gulf Fritillary and Zebra Longwing butterflies. Their caterpillars feed exclusively on passionflower leaves, making this plant essential for their survival.
Is Purple Passionflower invasive?
Purple Passionflower can be aggressive, spreading rapidly by underground rhizomes and self-seeding. It may take over gardens if not managed. Plant it where spreading is acceptable, such as naturalized areas or along fences with room to roam.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Passiflora Alata
Passiflora alata Dryand.
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Freesia
Freesia × hybrida (Garden Freesia), Freesia refracta
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