A blue passion flower, sometimes referred to as a blue crowned passion flower, is a type of vine that produces an edible fruit. It is a very hardy plant that can thrive in most conditions, with the exception of arid soil. This plant can be found growing in most southern parts of the United States. Most commonly, it will be found in south and central America.
The blue passion flower's edible fruits are typically reddish-orange in color. It has a fleshy texture and is considered to be a tropical fruit with an aromatic, almost mint-like scent. The blue passion flower is an extremely adaptable and tolerant variety of vine. It has been known to bloom year-round.
This plant is occasionally called a passion vine and is an evergreen variety. Passiflora caerulea is its scientific name. Most commonly seen with five lobes, it can contain up to nine or ten lobes in some cases. The flowers that bloom from the vine are primarily white and lilac. Typically, these flowers range anywhere from 2 to 5 inches (up to 11 cm) in width.
The fruit produced by the blue passion flower is used in many types of tropical drinks. It is also eaten by itself. Some say the fruit is rather ordinary in taste, or undistinctive by most standards.
Because it is vulnerable to disease, gardeners should take care with the blue passion flower and avoid contaminating it with diseases from other plants. During most gardening tasks, garden sheers should be thoroughly cleansed between use. Shielding the vine from insects is another precaution to take. This vine tends to attract butterflies, which typically do little harm to the flowers or fruit.
The blue passion flower vine does best in full sunlight, although soil needs to be carefully drained. It requires adequate watering to grow and thrive throughout the year. It can be cultivated in a large solarium or sun room, although proper routine pruning will be necessary for maintenance. If planted in a container, the blue passion flower needs a pot at least 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) in diameter. Larger pots are preferable to allow the vine's roots to broaden and develop.
When planting blue passion flower vines outdoors, it is essential to allow for adequate sunlight during most hours of the day. Some shade is also recommended. The soil should be moderately warm and moist during the planting process. In fact, giving the soil an initial soaking, then allowing it to drain afterward, is a good way to prepare for planting.