Passiflora incarnata

Common Names

Maypop, Purple Passionflower, Passionflower, Passion Flower, Wild Passion Vine, Apricot Vine

Summary

Passiflora incarnata is a native North American vine, commonly called purple passionflower or maypop, prized for its intricate lavender blossoms and edible fruit. It is fast-growing and climbs by tendrils, with three-lobed dark green leaves and showy, fragrant flowers that feature a fringe of hair-like filaments and a central crown; flowers are followed by egg-shaped maypops that are edible. The blooms attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

It thrives in full sun to partial shade on well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established. It can be grown on trellises, arbors, walls, or fences, and propagates by seeds or cuttings; seeds germinate slowly and may require stratification. The plant can spread aggressively, requiring pruning or removal of suckers to control spread. It has ornamental value and serves as a larval host for several butterfly species, while also attracting pollinators; the maypop fruits are edible and can be used in jams, jellies, and beverages.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-8 feet

Spread

36-60 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun or Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, loamy or sandy-loam soil, pH around 6.1–7.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Lavender to purple with white filaments

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green foliage, predominantly dark green with whitish undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing; up to about 20 feet per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, birds