Also called May Pops, Apricot Vine, Blue Passion Flower
ZONE:
6
COLOUR:
Multi-coloured
HEIGHT:
9-10 m
SPREAD:
9-10 m
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Passiflora caerulea - Passion Flower - Photo courtesy of Van Belle Nursery Inc.
Also called May Pops, Apricot Vine, Blue Passion Flower
ZONE:
6
COLOUR:
Multi-coloured
HEIGHT:
9-10 m
SPREAD:
9-10 m
Passiflora thrives in a moist, well-drained soil, in full sun. In colder regions, grow in a container and bring inside for the winter or use as a houseplant. They flower on new growth, so they can be pruned in the spring. Foliage may be pinched back to encourage branching, but always leave some foliage.
The passion flower is full of symbolic meaning for Christians. The petals signify the 10 apostles at the crucifixion (except for Judas the betrayer and Peter the denier). All parts of the flower have a significance: the rays of the corona represent the crown of thorns, the five anthers represent the wounds of Christ, the three stigmas represent the nails used to crucify Jesus, the coiling tendrils are the cords and whips of the soldiers, the five-lobed leaves are the cruel hands of the persecutors, and the dark spot under the leaves represents the 30 pieces of silver Judas was paid. The flowers are open for one day, the length of time Jesus hung on the cross. The white colour represents the purity of Christ and the blue represents Heaven. The fruit signifies the promise of salvation through Jesus.
