Passiflora Caerulea – The ‘Passion Flower’ You Should Know About
One of the most glamorous climbers and indoor thriving plants is the award-winning Passiflora Caerulea, a vigorous, large semi-evergreen climber with twining tendrils. The exotic beauty of its flowers is absolutely captivating, featuring white, sometimes pink-flushed with a ring of blue, white, and purple filaments. The Bluecrown Passionflower is the most common of all Passifloras.
Passiflora Caerulea consists of shiny rich green leaves, and best of all has a very special religious meaning to it. Beauty + symbolism is the best combo found in nature. Passiflora actually makes part of the most beautiful blossoming plants! Read the article ‘The Most Beautiful Flowering Plants for Your Tropical Garden’.
Origin of Passiflora Caerulea
Passiflora Caerulea is a perennial vine native to South American countries and regions such as southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It has been deliberately introduced as an attractive flowering plant to many parts of the world and nowadays has become established as an invasive species in New Zealand, Hawaii, offshore Chilean islands, and possibly other Pacific islands.
Passiflora Fruits
The striking, multi-colored 8cm blooms also bear edible fruit from late summer through the entire fall season. Passion fruit has a fresh taste. A sweet-but-also-tart flavor, and a fragrant aroma. It’s hard to compare them to another fruit since they are so unique. In the tropics, they are mixed with sweet fruits to give some counterbalance. If pressed how they taste: think a little like a kiwi, a little like pineapple.
The plant is evergreen, especially in tropical climates, but deciduous where winters are cool. Did you know this amazing plant is known to survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit when grounds were frozen for over two feet deep? The best part is that Passiflora Caerulea is both an indoor and outdoor plant. Read the article ‘Study Reveals the Top Houseplant in 147 Countries Around the World’ to learn where Passiflora Caerulea is most popular around the world.
Passiflora Caerulea Care and How to Grow This Bluecrown Passionflowers
Despite having a tropical appearance, Passiflora Caerulea, or “Bluecrown Passionflowers” may actually be produced practically anywhere, even in far colder climates. In reality, some kinds of passionflower can spread quickly in warmer climes, so you may even discover these seemingly delicate vines blooming by the side of the road.
Passiflora Caerulea is typically trained on a trellis, fence, or other vertical structures where they are hardy. These plants are frequently planted in pots and brought indoors for the winter in climates where they are not hardy. They should typically be planted on average, but in well-drained soil, in full sun to light shade. For many species, which can be harmed by strong winds or inclement weather, a protected site is advised, such as against a garden wall.
Light
Plant your Passiflora Caerulea plant in full sun to partial shade to keep them flourishing and healthy. In severely hot areas, plants benefit from some afternoon shade. Typically, Blue Passionflower requires four to six full hours of sunlight per day (or more in cooler climates). Give potted plants bright, indirect light, and keep them away from drafts if you move them indoors for the winter.
Water
After planting, passiflora needs to be given a thorough watering. Beyond that, during their growing season, they normally flourish on one or two weekly waterings. A weekly supply of 1 to 1.5 inches of water should be provided.
Planting and Soil
Passiflora Caerulea should be planted in fertile, moist soil that drains properly. The pH of the soil is unimportant and can range from 6.1 to 7.5, which is in the neutral to acidic range. Mulching around the base of the plant will help it retain moisture without becoming waterlogged and adding compost to the planting hole will help supply nutrients.
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How to Grow Passiflora Caerulea Indoors
Passiflora Caerulea should be brought indoors as the possibility of frost approaches if you live in a region with freezing winters. This plant does in fact thrive best outdoors, rather than indoors. But if you’re going to give it a try indoors, make sure to grow it in a sunroom, greenhouse, or room with southern exposure. Take into account that it will not grow as quickly or bear fruit when cultivated inside.
Dig out your passiflora, keeping the rootball whole, and repot it in wet, enriched potting soil in a container with lots of drainage holes. When the risk of frost has passed in the spring, try to take your plant back outside.
Passiflora Caerulea – The Religious Symbolism Behind
When it was discovered by 16th-century Christian missionaries in South America, its distinctive characteristics reminded them of the Passion of Christ, which led to its name. The term “Passion”, in regard to Christianity, represents the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
Background
- Passionflower is a climbing vine that is native to the southeastern United States and Central and South America.
- Native peoples of the Americas used passionflower as a sedative. Sixteenth-century Spanish explorers in South America learned of passionflower. The plant was then brought to Europe, where it became widely cultivated and was introduced to European folk medicine.
- Today, passionflower is promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety and sleep problems, as well as for pain, heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is applied to the skin for burns and to treat hemorrhoids.
How Much Do We Know?
- Passionflower’s effect on anxiety and other conditions hasn’t been studied extensively.
What Have We Learned?
- A small amount of research suggests that passionflower might help to reduce nonspecific anxiety and anxiety before a surgical or dental procedure, but conclusions are not definite.
- There is not enough evidence to say whether passionflower is helpful for any other health conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, congestive heart failure, insomnia, and stress.
What Do We Know About Safety?
- Up to 800 mg daily of a dried alcoholic extract of passionflower has been used with apparent safety in studies lasting up to 8 weeks, but it may cause drowsiness, confusion, and uncoordinated movement (ataxia) in some people. Passionflower used in excessive amounts (e.g., 3.5 grams of a specific extract over a 2-day period) may be unsafe.
- Whether it’s safe to use passionflower topically (on skin) is not known.
- Passionflower should not be used during pregnancy as it may induce uterine contractions. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use passionflower while breastfeeding.
Keep in Mind
- Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
For More Information
- Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article
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They believed that several parts of the plant, including the petals, rays, and sepals, symbolized features of the Passion. The flower’s five petals and five petallike sepals represented the 10 apostles who remained faithful to Jesus throughout the Passion. The circle of hairlike rays above the petals suggested the crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the day of his death.
Medicinal Uses of Passiflora Caerulea aka Blue Passionflower
Additional medical uses for the “Blue Passionflower” include anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties. The fruit is beneficial for digestion when eaten raw, and a tea made from the leaves or roots is effective against gastrointestinal symptoms and infections. Additionally, the roots and leaves, when made into tea, stun and expel intestinal parasites. The fruit is used in traditional ways in Brazil and Mauritius as an anxiety reliever and sedative against insomnia.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Passiflora Caerulea, the Blue Passionflower, stands out as a remarkable and versatile plant with its captivating blooms, rich symbolism, and diverse applications. From its origin in South America to its invasive yet welcomed presence in various parts of the world, this perennial vine continues to fascinate gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking medicinal benefits.
The plant’s dual nature as both an indoor and outdoor specimen adds to its allure, making it accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts. Its edible fruits, exotic flowers, and cultural significance further contribute to its appeal. Whether grown for its aesthetic beauty, religious symbolism, or medicinal properties, Passiflora Caerulea offers a multifaceted gardening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Is Passiflora Caerulea suitable for indoor cultivation?
Yes, Passiflora Caerulea can thrive indoors, but it may not grow as rapidly or bear fruit compared to outdoor cultivation.
2. What is the origin of Passiflora Caerulea?
Passiflora Caerulea is native to South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
3. How should Passiflora Caerulea be cared for in terms of light and water?
Plant in full sun to partial shade, providing four to six hours of sunlight per day. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain regular watering during the growing season.
4. What is the religious symbolism associated with Passiflora Caerulea?
The distinctive features of Passiflora Caerulea reminded 16th-century Christian missionaries of the Passion of Christ, leading to its name. The flower’s parts symbolize aspects of the Passion.
5. Are there any safety considerations for using Passiflora Caerulea for medicinal purposes?
While some research suggests benefits for anxiety, safety considerations include potential drowsiness and confusion. Pregnant individuals should avoid it, and the topical use is not well-known in terms of safety. Consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice.
