Conservatory passion flowers

Leaves of these vigorous climbers can be oval or hand-shaped (like the hardy types). The flower colours of luminous violet, pink or red, can be very fragrant (depending on variety) and range in size from 5-20cm (2-8in) in diameter. Some can climb to 15m (49ft) in a conservatory.

Grow tender passion flowers in large pots filled with a peat-free loam-based potting compost. Plants like to be shaded from hot sun in summer when grown under glass.

These plants will not survive frost, so temperatures must be kept above 10-15°C (50-59°F) in winter. Avoid allowing the roots to be wet in the winter as this can cause them to rot.

Conservatory passion flowers bloom better if trained flat on a trellis or wall, than if allowed to scramble.