Passiflora incarnata – Purple Passionflower; Maypop

General Information: Our selections of Maypop are perhaps the most cold-hardy there are! Typically hardy to Zone 7, our Maypops have been successfully grown outdoors for a few years now. The only drawback to growing this species as far north as Massachusetts is that we only get to enjoy the majestic flowers; our seasons are too short for their delicious fruits to ripen. In areas where this plant is native, fruit set should not be an issue. These plants climb quite quickly along fences, trellises, or shrubs and will easily add beauty to any structure they can attach their tendrils to. The ornamental and medicinal flowers are extremely exotic looking, fragrant, and they are pollinator magnets. The fruits of this species are often described as delicious, similar to their tropical relatives, although they usually contain less pulp. Maypops spread by rhizome, creating a thicket of vines in just a few years. Give them room and watch their beauty unfold!

Edible Qualities: The fruits can be made into jellies and jams, added to pies or juices, or eaten raw. The pulp makes an excellent addition to warm tea or cold-infused in water. The dried flowers are commercially available in medicinal tea, but can also be eaten fresh as a garnish in salads. The leaves and tender stems are edible and are said to be delicious as a cooked green.

Cultivation Details: This plant is not self-compatible. Two plants of different genetics are required for fruit set. Maypops need plenty of room to grow. They can easily overtake small, fragile, or weakened plants or structures. They should be situated in an area where their growth can be maintained or where it otherwise will not be an issue. These plants spread by rhizome and can encroach upon unwanted areas if left unchecked. Consider placing them within a rhizome barrier such as a submerged pot. Plants kept this way should be removed from the pots every few years for rhizome pruning. Some growers report that plants with restrained roots produce fruits more prolifically and that their growth is easier to manage. Unwanted shoots can also be maintained by mowing or pruning. In colder regions (Zones 6 and 7) these plants die back completely to the ground during the winter, and they often leave behind remnants of the previous year’s growth. Consider Maypops as a living porch canopy, pergola covering, or patio screen. They are also highly attractive when trained along archways, trellises, or evergreen shrubs.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Plants in partial shade may focus their energy on vegetative growth and produce fewer flowers and fruits. Prefers moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates most soil types. Production is most prolific in sandy or loamy soils. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.