Do you think plants with unique flowers deserve the spotlight? Well, maypop vines are here to steal the whole show. It has attention-grabbing flowers and fruit. If this is the type of passion flower you would like to be the latest addition to your garden, read on to know more.
Botanical Information
The maypop vine is also known as the purple passion vine, apricot vine, and purple passionflower. It came from the Passifloraceae family or the passionflower family. Also, it has the scientific name Passiflora incarnata. Its genus, Passiflora, is a combination of Latin words passio and flos. The former means passion, while the latter refers to a flower.
Spatial Distribution
These passion flowers originated from the Central and Eastern parts of the United States. It is where the Native Americans use the plant for its medicinal values. The roots were used to treat inflammation and cuts, while other parts of the plant were used for tea. The maypop vine is then introduced to areas in USDA zones 5 through 10. Knowing the places of origin for the maypop vine will help one understand the growth habits and environmental requirements.
Growth Habits
The purple passion flower vine is a perennial deciduous climber that extends for 6 to 8 feet in height and 3 to 6 feet in width. The vine can reach as high as it can with the help of its tendrils. Its tendrils serve as an extra anchorage.
Although, these measurements will vary depending on the supporting structures present for the vine to cling. The maypop vine can cover a large area in a short amount of time. This characteristic is why enough space and sturdy support is crucial.
Aside from the aesthetic, medicinal, and edible qualities, it also plays a role in the ecosystem. It serves as a food source for insects, birds, and other animals. Thanks to this wildlife, the flowers are pollinated, and seeds spread.
Leaves
The leaves of the maypop vine are trilobed with a dark green upper surface and a grayish underside. Also, the leaf margins are toothed. Its leaves are alternately attached to the grainy green stem.
Flowers
As the main attraction, the maypop flowers have a unique appearance with 7 to 20 petals and showy sepals. The size of the flower ranges from 1 to 3 inches in diameter. It also has a variety of colors, from white, blue, lavender, and pink. Also, it has purple or pink thread-like structures sprouting from the middle. The maypop flowers exude a scent during spring and summer. They also put on a show longer than common flowering vines. Moreover, the flowers are edible.
Fruit and Seeds
After flowering, the maypop produces edible berries in the fall and summer. It is juicy, leathery, and round, which matures to a yellow tint from green or orange. Inside it are brown seeds. The maypop vine got its name from the fruits as it creates a popping sound when squished.
Grow and Care Tips
Now that you know what the plant looks like, it is time to know how to keep it beautiful throughout. Here are the basic requirements for the vine’s growth.
Sun Requirement
The optimal amount of sun for the maypop vine to grow is more than 6 hours of direct sunlight or full sun. In doing so, the plant will have the needed light to develop its colors and produce sturdy plant parts. Although, it may be planted under partial shade. Having a 2-6 hour direct sunlight exposure will be the bare minimum for the plant to grow.
Water Requirement
Average amounts of water should be supplied for the plant. This may be done by watering every other day in moderate amounts. However, the frequency of watering should be altered as the weather changes. More frequent watering is needed during the hot summer months and vice versa.
Temperature and Humidity
As a sun-loving plant, the maypop vine prefers a warm and moist environment.
Soil Requirement
This vine can thrive in clay, loam, and sandy soil textures. In addition, the soil should also be rich in organic matter content, good water retention, and good drainage. The plant prefers to grow in moist soil but also tolerates drought. Moreover, the plant is a rapid grower and needs space. Hence, the recommended space for planting is 12 to 24 feet. Providing adequate space will help the plant grow to its full potential and prevent damage to fixtures and other plants.
Fertilizer Requirement
Fertilizer application is not a must as long as the soil has enough organic matter. The normal annual or biannual application of complete fertilizer is enough. However, remember to apply the fertilizer during the growing season. This schedule should be followed because there is a high chance of the plant producing more leaves than flowers when fed during the flowering season.
If the goal is to have better blooms, feed the plant with phosphorus-rich fertilizers. Also, remember to follow the recommended rate for the product indicated on the label.
Maintenance Activities
Pruning the maypop should be done regularly. Having a scheduled pruning will help the plant grow more vigorously and produce even more beautiful flowers. This is because, in pruning, the dead and damaged plant parts are removed. This helps the plant reallocate the nutrients and food to other parts and develop new ones too.
Since pruning also helps the plant become lighter, the supporting structure will have fewer problems. However, when the plant becomes too heavy it causes the trellis or stake to break. This might lead to accidents. To avoid these, remember to provide sturdy stakes, trellises, or any supporting structures.
Propagation
The passionflower may be reproduced by sowing seeds or cuttings. In using seeds, the best time to harvest the seeds is when they are brown and mature. Then, run through water and clean the seeds. Remove the slimy and sticky substance, then air dry. It may be sown directly or stored in an air-tight jar in a refrigerator. Commonly, there is a low germination rate for direct sowing seeds. This is why cuttings are preferred.
At the start of the season, collect cuttings that are 6 to 8 inches long. Then, plant it in well-drained and moist soil. After the cuttings have developed a root system, transplanting may be done.
Function In The Landscape
The maypop vine is a perfect addition to various garden themes. It is often seen in edible, native, butterfly, pollinator, and children’s gardens. In the said gardens, the vine is used for privacy. This is why it is incorporated in trellises, arbors, fences, and screens. It serves those functions well due to its dense foliage and fast growth.
Also, vertical landscaping has been using this vine too. It is incorporated in green walls as it gives a beautiful backdrop, especially during the flowering season.
Potential Harm
This beautiful vine is not an invasive plant but is a fire hazard. According to studies, the maypop vine is highly flammable. It is suggested to be placed away from areas of cooking and other possible fire exposure.
FAQs
For more vines to grow, see our vine list.
*image by [email protected]/depositphotos
