Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower / Maypop)

Native perennial vine • Host plant for Gulf Fritillary • Edible fruit

Passiflora incarnata is a fast-growing native vine with exotic purple flowers and edible passion fruits. A larval host plant for Gulf Fritillary butterflies and an excellent vertical accent in sunny native gardens.

Light

• Full sun to part sun
  
  

• At least 6 hours for heavy bloom
  
  

• Part shade = fewer flowers and fruit
  
  

💧 Water

• Prefers average moisture
  
  

• Drought tolerant once established
  
  

• Water deeply during prolonged dry spells
  
  

Soil

• Well-drained garden soil
  
  

• Sandy loam ideal
  
  

• Tolerates clay once established
  
  

• Avoid waterlogged sites
  
  

Hardiness

• USDA Zones 5–9
  
  

• Native across the Southeast
  
  

• Very heat tolerant
  
  

Blooming

• Mid-summer through fall
  
  

• Unique, ornate purple flowers
  
  

• Supports:
  
  

  • Gulf Fritillary caterpillars (host plant)
    
    

  • butterflies
    
    

  • bees
    
    

  • other pollinators
    
    

Extremely high wildlife value.

 Growth Habit

• Perennial deciduous vine
  
  

• Dies back in winter
  
  

• Resprouts vigorously in spring
  
  

• Spreads by underground runners
  
  

• Fast growing, excellent for structures
  
  

 Fruit (Edible)

• Fragrant, green passion fruits (maypop)
  
  

• Edible pulp, tropical flavor
  
  

• Attracts wildlife
  
  

Planting Notes

Depth: crown level
Spacing: train on trellis/fence/pergola

Give it something to climb, or it will sprawl.

Best Landscape Uses

• Fences and trellises
  
  

• Pergolas
  
  

• Native food forests
  
  

• Butterfly gardens
  
  

• Sunny native borders
  
  

• Fruit-bearing wildlife habitats
  
  

 Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Liatris
  
  

• Asclepias
  
  

• Coreopsis
  
  

• Rudbeckia
  
  

• Native grasses (little bluestem)
  
  

• Swamp milkweed near wetter spots
  
  

 Native Value

Essential host plant for Gulf Fritillary butterflies. Also feeds pollinators with nectar and provides wildlife fruit in late season.

⚠ Common Problems

Spreading

May travel in garden beds, place intentionally or use containment.

Sparse bloom

Increase sun.

Slow spring emergence

Normal, wait for warm soil.