Passiflora Constance Elliot Passion Flower

Passiflora caerulea Constance Elliot, Passion Flower Constance Elliott 

The white-flowering Passiflora caerulea Constance Elliot also called the Passion flower Constance Elliot, is a tendril climbing vine or shrub. The vine was first bred in the 1800s and remains a popular garden choice for any size landscape. The Passiflora caerulea Constance Eliott was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. 

This vigorous evergreen climber can attain a height of up to 12 meters with a spread of 1.5 meters. It generally takes 5 to 10 years to attain its maximum growth size. Passiflora Constance Elliot features deeply lobed dark green leaves and brilliant white star-shaped flowers that boast a ring of white pointed filaments and large purple style branches. The blossoms always draw an abundance of butterflies who appear to genuinely favour the vine’s flowers over other plant choices. 

Passion Flower Constance Elliot starts to produce a profusion of flowers from midsummer to late autumn. After the flowers fade away, it develops inconspicuous egg-shaped yellow and orange fruit that persists on the vine from mid-summer until winter. Although the fruits are edible, few people find them very tasty. 

Choose a planting location in full sun or partial shade for best growth. The planting location should drain well because the vine will not tolerate waterlogged roots. Water the vine deeply to encourage the roots of the plant to grow deep within the soil and firmly anchor the relatively heavy vine. The strong roots will also help sustain the vine during periods of drought and in the winter months. Once established, the vine does offer some drought tolerance. 

Avoid over fertilizing the Passiflora Constance Elliot or it will produce abundant lush foliage and growth but very few flowers. A light, low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer is best. 

The vine only flowers on new growth, so prune away old or broken branches in the late winter or early spring. The plant’s terminals can also be pinched to encourage it to branch. It does tolerate heavy pruning well to control its often vigorous growth. 

The Passiflora caerulea Constance Elliot is eye-catching and will quickly become the focal point of any landscape. Plant the vine beside a trellis, arbor, wall, or fence to provide it with a sturdy surface to climb. It uses tendrils to climb so does not damage stucco or brickwork. It also grows well in a container on a patio, draped along a porch, or across a balcony or roof terrace.