Does Passion Flower Die Back in Winter?

Passion flower vines are stunning ornamental plants that produce exotic flowers in a range of colors. They are native to warm tropical regions but have become popular garden plants worldwide. With their rapid growth and tropical origins, passion flower vines require some special care when grown in colder climates where they die back in winter.

The Passion Flower Plant

There are over 500 species of passion flower vines in the Passiflora genus. They are tendril climbers that can grow 10-20 feet long or more in a single season. The leaves are lobed and toothed 3-8 inches wide.

The exotic flowers have prominent stamens and filaments surrounded by colorful petal-like tepals. Common passion flower species grown include:

• Maypop passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) – purple and white flowers. hardy in zones 6-9

• Blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea) – blue and white flowers, hardy in zones 7-10

• Giant granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis) – large pink and white flowers with edible fruit, hardy in zones 9-11

Growth Habit

Passion flowers are vigorous vines with rapid growth. They climb by axillary tendrils that twist around any nearby support. In warm climates passion flower vines remain evergreen year-round. The vines develop woody stems over time.

But in cold winter climates, the above ground vines are killed back by freezing weather. The roots survive below ground to re-sprout new growth when temperatures warm up in spring.

Preparing for Winter

Gardeners in cold winter regions where passion flower dies back have to provide some special care to help the plant survive freezing temperatures. Here are some useful tips:

• Choose a hardy passion flower species suited for your climate. Maypop and blue passion flower tolerate cold better than tropical types.

• Plant in a sheltered spot, next to a warm wall or rock that absorbs heat. This protects from wind and provides extra warmth.

• Avoid late season fertilization which encourages tender new growth before winter.

• Once flowering ends, cut back on watering to help the plant go dormant.

• Mulch the base with leaves or straw to insulate roots from hard freezes.

• Prune vines back by half in late fall to prevent damage from snow load.

• Wait until spring after the last frost to prune out dead growth and tidy up the plant.

Caring For Dormant Vines

Passion flower will likely die back to the ground over winter in cold climates. You’ll be left with bare, frozen vines and stems. Here is how to care for dormant passion flower in winter:

• Leave the dead vines and canes in place over winter. They provide insulation for the roots and stems below. Remove only broken or diseased growth.

• Avoid heavy pruning or digging around roots during dormancy. Wait until spring growth resumes.

• Don’t fertilize or overwater dormant vines. This can trigger new growth susceptible to frost damage.

• Check mulch covering the base to ensure roots stay insulated in extreme cold. Add more as needed.

• Monitor for pests like scales that may attack weakened vines and treat any outbreaks.

Spring Revival

Once spring arrives and temperatures warm up, follow these steps to revive passion flower:

• Prune out all dead growth back to healthy stems using clean shears. Remove diseased or damaged canes entirely.

• Loosen and aerate the surrounding soil, amend with compost if needed.

• Apply balanced fertilizer or compost tea once new leaves emerge.

• Water when soil dries out to support rapid regrowth. But avoid overwatering.

• Train new vines onto supports. Passion flower will rebound quickly in warm weather.

• Watch for late frosts and protect new growth by covering or moving containers indoors overnight.

Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help your passion flower thrive in areas where it dies back:

• Grow in containers that can be moved indoors or to a protected area over winter.

• Use trellises that can support heavy vines and moveable for overwintering.

• Plant next to foundations, rocks or concrete that radiate heat. Avoid open, windy sites.

• Cover vines with breathable fabric or plant in a cold frame or greenhouse over winter.

• Choose native species and cultivars bred for cold hardiness like ‘Incense’ or ‘Cerise’ maypop.

• Propagate new vines annually for insurance. Older vines may not re-sprout after harsh winters.

• Remove fruits so the plant directs energy to establishing roots the first year rather than setting seed.

With the right passion flower for your zone, proper care, and ideal placement, you can successfully grow these exotic vines and enjoy their flowers and fruit year after year, even where they die back in winter.