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Climber Wall ShrubConservatory Greenhouse

Passiflora × exoniensis

Exeter passion flower

A vigorous evergreen climber to 6m or more, with deeply 3-lobed leaves and pendent, long-tubed flowers to 12cm across, with spreading rose-pink tepals and short white corona, followed by ovoid yellow fruit. The pulp in the fruits only can be eaten when they are fully ripe and yellow-orange. Unripe fruit is toxic

Synonyms
Passiflora 'Exoniensis'
Tacsonia 'Exoniensis'
see morePassiflora antioquiensis misapplied
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Passifloraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Passiflora are mostly tender tendril-climbing shrubs, with simple or palmately-lobed, generally evergreen leaves and showy flowers of distinctive structure with often colourful coronal filaments, followed by conspicuous fruits, edible in some species

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth and sparingly in winter. Well suited for a cool conservatory. May be grown outdoors in most fertile, moist but well-drained soils in mild areas. Hardy to about -1°C, an excellent drainage is essential, but best grown under cover. Provide support for climbing stems and shelter from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 13 to 18°C in spring or root semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Layering can be carried out in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 11 or pruning group 12 in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and a virus

Get involved

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