Passiflora caerulea, the blue passionflower, bluecrown passionflower or common passion flower, is a species of flowering plant native to South America. It has been introduced elsewhere. In South America, the plant is known for its medicinal properties, and is used by both the Toba and the Maka peoples.
Common name | Bluecrown Passionflower, Blue Passionflower, Common Passionflower, Flower of the Five Wounds, Passion flower, Southern Beauty, Wild Apricot |
Botanical name | Passiflora caerulea |
Family | Passifloraceae |
Species | caerulea |
Origin | Bolivia to Brazil and N. Argentina |
Life cycle | Perennial |
Plant type | Herbaceous Perennial |
Hardiness zone | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
Sunlight | Full Sun |
Maintenance | Medium |
Soil condition | Clay |
Soil ph | Acid |
Drainage | Well-Drained |
Growth rate | Fast |
Spacing | 6 – ft. – 12 ft. |
Harvest time | Fall |
Flowering period | Fall |
Height | 1- 40 ft. |
Width | 1- 40 ft. |
Flower color | Blue |
Leaf color | Green |
Fruit color | Green |
Stem color | Brown, Copper |
Fruit type | Pome |
Fruit benefit | Edible |
Flower benefit | Showy |
Garden style | Butterfly Garden |
Uses | Container |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Passiflora caerulea is a woody vine capable of growing to 25 metres (82 ft) high where supporting trees are available. The leaves are alternate, palmately five-lobed (sometimes three, seven, or nine lobes), and are up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length while being linear-oblong shaped. The base of each leaf has a flagellate-twining tendril 5–10 centimetres (2.0–3.9 in) long, which twines around supporting vegetation to hold the plant up.

The flower is complex, about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in diameter, with the five sepals and petals similar in appearance, whitish in colour, surmounted by a corona of blue or violet filaments, then five greenish-yellow stamens and three purple stigmas. The fruit is an oval orange-yellow berry, 6 centimetres (2.4 in) long by 4 centimetres (1.6 in) in diameter, containing numerous seeds. It is edible to humans when ripe, but tends to have an undesirable flavour unless allowed to fully ripen in a warm climate and fall naturally from the vine, when it has a mild blackberry flavour, though with a lower sugar content than commonly eaten species.
II. How to Grow and Care
Temperature and Humidity
The Passiflora Caerulea is a tropical plant and enjoys warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C to 30°C. It also prefers a humid environment, but make sure to keep the leaves dry to avoid fungal growth.
If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing a tray of water near it or by using a humidifier.
During the winter months, make sure to protect your Passiflora Caerulea from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C. You can move your plant to a warmer location or cover it with a frost cloth to prevent any damage to the leaves and stems.
Sunlight
The Passiflora Caerulea requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive. If you’re planting your passionflower outside, make sure to use an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. This will help your plant to produce more blooms and grow faster. For indoor plants, a south or west-facing window is ideal as it will provide enough sunlight for the plant to grow.
It’s important to note that while the Passiflora Caerulea loves sunlight, it’s also sensitive to intense heat and direct sunlight. If you live in a hot and dry climate, make sure to provide some shade for your plant during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn and heat stress.
Watering
Watering is an essential part of Passiflora Caerulea care, and it’s important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors
CC BY-SA 2.0
Water your blue passionflower frequently during the growing season, especially during the hotter months when the soil tends to dry out faster. Make sure to reduce watering during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
It’s also important to note that the Passiflora Caerulea is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water. If possible, use filtered or rainwater to water your plant to prevent any damage to the leaves and roots.
Soil
The blue passionflower grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Make sure to add some sand or perlite to the potting mix to enhance drainage and prevent waterlogging.
The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5, for optimal growth. You can test your soil’s pH using a soil testing kit, which you can purchase at any gardening store.
When planting your Passiflora Caerulea, make sure to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. This will give your plant enough room to grow and prevent it from becoming root-bound.
You can also add some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil to provide additional nutrients for your plant.
Fertilizing
You can fertilize your passionflower every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
You can also add some organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to the soil to provide additional nutrients for your plant.

Peter bertok
CC BY-SA 3.0
It’s important to note that the Passiflora Caerulea is sensitive to high levels of fertilizer salts, which can cause leaf burn and other issues. To prevent this, make sure to flush the soil with water every few months to remove any excess salts.
Potting and Repotting Passiflora Caerulea
As mentioned earlier, the blue passionflower prefers to be root bound, which means that it likes to have its roots confined to a small space. This is why you won’t need to repot it frequently. However, as the plant grows, you may need to move it to a bigger pot to accommodate its expanding root system.
When choosing a pot for your blue passionflower, make sure to select one that is one size bigger than the existing pot. This will give the plant enough room to grow without overwhelming it with too much space. Plus, make sure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil and causing root rot.
Before repotting your blue passionflower, prepare the new pot by filling it with fresh, well-draining soil. You can use a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and sand to create a light and airy soil that will promote healthy root growth.
When it’s time to repot your plant, carefully remove it from its existing pot, making sure not to damage the roots. You can do this by gently tapping the sides of the pot and loosening the soil around the edges. Once the plant is free, gently shake off any excess soil and inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease.
Next, place the plant in the new pot and fill it with soil, making sure to cover the roots completely. You can gently press down on the soil to remove any air pockets and ensure that the plant is stable in its new home.
Finally, water the plant well and place it in a bright spot with sufficient sunlight. The blue passionflower loves bright, indirect light, so make sure to place it near a window or in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Propagation
While it is possible to grow this plant from seeds, another way to propagate it is by using cuttings from a healthy mother plant. Here are some additional details to help you successfully propagate your own passiflora caerulea.
- Firstly, it is important to choose a healthy branch from the mother plant. Look for a branch that is at least 6 inches long and has a diameter of about 1/4 inch. The branch should be free from any signs of disease or damage.
- Next, using a clean pair of pruning shears, cut the branch into sections, making sure each section has at least two nodes. Nodes are the points on the branch where the leaves grow out. It is important to have at least two nodes on each section to ensure that the cutting will develop roots.
- After you have cut the branch into sections, remove the leaves from the bottom half of each cutting. This will help the cutting to focus its energy on developing roots instead of supporting the leaves.
- To promote root growth, dip the cut end of each branch in rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is a powder or liquid that contains plant hormones that stimulate root growth.
- After you have applied rooting hormone, plant the branch in well-draining soil. It is important to use soil that is well-draining to prevent the cutting from becoming waterlogged and developing root rot.
- Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but avoid overwatering as this can also lead to root rot. Place the pot in a bright area, but avoid direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves of the cutting.
- Once the roots develop, which can take several weeks, transplant the new plant into a bigger pot. This will give the plant more room to grow and thrive.
Pests and Diseases

houroumono
CC BY 2.0
While this plant is known for its hardiness, it can still be susceptible to a number of pests and plant diseases that can affect the plant’s health and appearance.
One of the most common pests that can plague Passiflora Caerulea is spider mites. These tiny pests can be difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems.
To prevent spider mites, it’s important to keep the plant’s environment clean and well-maintained. Regularly dusting the leaves and keeping the plant away from other infested plants can also help.
Aphids are another common pest that can affect Passiflora Caerulea. These small, soft-bodied insects can be found on the undersides of leaves and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.
To prevent aphids, it’s important to keep the plant well-watered and to avoid over-fertilizing. Natural predators such as ladybugs can also help to control aphid populations.
Fungal growth is another issue that can affect Passiflora Caerulea. This can be caused by a number of factors, including poor drainage and high humidity.
To prevent fungal growth, it’s important to ensure that the plant is properly watered and that excess water is allowed to drain away. Adequate air circulation can also help to prevent fungal growth.
Yellow leaves can also be a common issue with Passiflora Caerulea. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. To prevent yellow leaves, it’s important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that excess water is allowed to drain away. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can also help to retain moisture and prevent waterlogging.
If you do notice any of these issues with your Passiflora Caerulea, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. Using insecticides or fungicides sparingly and following the instructions carefully can help to combat these problems without harming your plant.
III. Uses and Benefits
Though the fruit is edible, it is rather insipid when eaten raw. A tea can be made of the flower or leaves; however, tetraphyllin B and epi-tetraphyllin B, cyanogenic glycosides which liberate hydrogen cyanide when activated by enzymes, have been found in the leaves. It is possible to boil away most of the cyanide.

M. Martin Vicente
CC BY 2.0
In South America, the plant is known for its medicinal uses. It is used in both herbal tea and dietary supplements, as well as in marmalades, ice creams, syrups and beverages. It is also used by the indigenous Argentinian Toba and Maka people.
Passiflora caerulea is sometimes used as a rootstock, to which is grafted a scion of the edible Passiflora edulis.
The passion flower is the national flower of Paraguay. Its intricate structure has generated Christian symbolism, each part representing a different part of the Passion of Christ. The “Etymology and names” section of Passiflora contains more information about this symbolism.