Wingstem Passionflower
(Passiflora alata)
Wingstem Passionflower (Passiflora alata)
/
/

Dick Culbert
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Dick Culbert
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dick Culbert | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Dick Culbert | Publisher: Flickr |
































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Passiflora alata, commonly known as Wingstem Passionflower, is an evergreen perennial vine originating from the tropical rainforests of South America. It can climb to heights exceeding 6 meters (20 feet), showcasing its climbing habit. The Wingstem Passionflower is renowned for its striking flowers and edible passion fruit. The fragrant blossoms measure 7–10 cm (3–4 in) across, featuring red curved tepals and a distinctive fringed corona with bands of purple and white, resembling stripes. These flowers are particularly showy and bloom in late summer to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. The solitary fruit is oval-shaped, transitioning in color from yellow to bright orange as it matures, and measures 8–15 cm (3–6 in) in length and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, weighing between 90–300 g (3–11 oz).
In cultivation, Wingstem Passionflower is valued for its ornamental flowers and fruit, and it has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is often grown indoors in temperate zones but can also be cultivated outdoors in regions where temperatures stay above 5 °C (41 °F). The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. It is suitable for trellises, arbors, and as a greenhouse specimen. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to become invasive outside its native range and should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Wingstem Passionflower is valued for its ornamental flowers and fruit, and it has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It is often grown indoors in temperate zones but can also be cultivated outdoors in regions where temperatures stay above 5 °C (41 °F). The plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. It is suitable for trellises, arbors, and as a greenhouse specimen. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential to become invasive outside its native range and should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Originates from the tropical rainforests of South America
Other Names
Common Names: Passionflower, Pasionaria, Maracujá-Grande, Maracutão
Scientific Names: , Passiflora alata, Passiflora maliformis, Passiflora phoenicea, Passiflora phoenicia, Passiflora citrifolia, Passiflora mauritiana, Passiflora alata var. mauritiana, Passiflora latifolia, Passiflora alata var. brasiliana
GBIF Accepted Name: Passiflora alata Curtis