Types of Passionflower That Grow on Vines

Passion vines (Passiflora spp.) are mostly large evergreen species with spectacular flowers blooming in a variety of colors. Depending on the species, they can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11, though most are subtropical vines that are not frost-tolerant. Some passion vines also produce an edible fruit.


The maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is the only passion vine native to the United States, where is grows in the open fields and forest edges of the Southeast. The maypop has the purple and white flowers that are commonly associated with passion vines. This is the only temperate species, hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. It is a moderate grower compared with other varieties, reaching up to 25 feet. Unlike most other passion vines, the maypop is not evergreen, but dies to the ground each winter and regrows in spring.

Blue Passionflower

The flowers on this evergreen passion vine are very similar to the maypop, but this species produces an edible fruit that is used to flavor drinks and deserts. It is also less cold-hardy than maypop and can be grown in USDA zones 8 to 11. There are many ornamental cultivars of this species, such as the white-flowered "Constance Elliot," the pale blue variety "Chinensis" and "Grandiflora" which is known for its huge 8-inch flowers.

Red Passionflower

The giant red passionflower (Passiflora quadrangularis) is 5 inches in diameter and has striking purple and white filaments that hover over the red petals. It is an evergreen subtropical vine, hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, and can grow up to 50 feet in one season. The fruit of this species is edible and can grow the size of a football. It is a parent of a number of red, large-flowered passion vine hybrids.

Scarlet Passionflower

The scarlet passionflower (Passiflora coccinea) is a smaller species, growing only to 10 or 12 feet, and has deep red blossoms that are 3 to 4 inches across. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 11, though it can easily be kept in a pot and brought indoors for the winter. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The evergreen foliage is oval-shaped, distinguishing it from the majority of other passion vines that have three-lobed leaves.