Home gardeners absolutely love passion flowers, and it’s easy to see why. Between their massive size and incredible color variety, they’re total showstoppers. But if you really want that “wow” factor, the exotic species that bloom in deep red during the summer are in a league of their own. With over 500 species out there, you can find just about every shade of red imaginable.
The Redder the Bloom, the More Love They Need
Here’s a quick rule of thumb for red Passiflora: the more intense the red, the more high-maintenance the plant tends to be. When it comes to care and maintenance, these beauties can be a bit picky. You’ll want to decide upfront how much time you’re willing to invest in your climbing vines.
Red-Blooming Species to Look For
If you’re looking for those stunning red blooms in the spring and summer, check out these varieties:
- P. coccinea: Blooms up to 5 inches (scarlet to purple)
- P. vitifolia: Blooms up to 6 inches (bright crimson)
- P. murucuja: Blooms up to 2.5 inches (red to purplish-red)
- P. racemosa: Blooms up to 4 inches (deep red)
- P. piresii: Blooms up to 5 inches (deep orange-red)
- P. alata: Blooms up to 4 inches (deep red with violet and white accents)
If you’re looking for something a little less demanding, P. murucuja and P. piresii are actually pretty easy-going compared to their cousins.
Experience the Full Spectrum of Passion Flowers
One thing to keep in mind: none of the red varieties are winter-hardy. However, as long as you prune them back in the fall and bring them inside for the winter, you can enjoy their spectacular flowers for years to come.
If you decide the red varieties are a bit too much work, don’t worry! There are plenty of other gorgeous options in shades of blue, white, and pink that might be a better fit for your schedule. That said, once you see those vibrant red blossoms lighting up your garden, you might just decide they’re worth every bit of extra effort. They really are the ultimate garden centerpiece!
