Passiflora actinia

In Spring this rare vine becomes very crowded with audacious & elaborate flowers, each bearing a showy crown of purple & white striped filaments. They are similar to the monstrous flowers of P. ligularis, but are smaller in scale – only 2-3” across. Blooming time lasts for a few months in mid-late spring, & sometimes resumes in Fall. The leaves are rounded (similar to P. membranacea) & beautiful year-round. Evergreen here in Zone 9, this Passiflora has exhibited tolerance of some frost, & is perfectly suited to our cool, temperate Bay Area climate.! Rich, well drained soil is best, in part sun. Flowers are sweetly fragrant, & the fruit is said to be delicious! Like all Passifloras, you should only attempt to eat the fruit when it’s fully ripe.