Passion Vine

One of the most amazing plants to have in your Florida garden is a Passion Vine.

This plant requires so little assistance, and no irrigation, so it is a perfect plant in my opinion.

Passion Vine is a climber, and it is quick growing, so give it plenty of room.

I planted mine on a fence. I was worried if it would grow enough to cover it.

Well, let me tell you, it did cover the fence. And quickly!

I started with two one gallon pots, one red and one purple.

When they were in the ground, they looked so small.

I wished I have purchased three plants at the time.

But... after about a month with their roots in the ground, they started climbing over the fence.

The vines were making a spectacular color splash for the front and back yards!

What I didn't realize when I bought them was that the butterflies just adore playing and sitting on these.

I continually see butterflies darting around in the Passion Vines. It makes for a relaxing and wonderful addition to my yard.

While this is a quick growning plant, it isn't hard to keep up with.

Every once in a while, maybe every two months, I go and just start ripping out extra vines with my gloved hands.

They are simple to pull out of the ground. I get the roots and all without much effort.

My neighbors wanted some, so I just gave them my "extras". They planted them, and walked away. Now they have them growing too!

One of the only drawbacks about this vine is that once a year the caterpillars eat them quite aggressivly.

While the leaves look a bit ragged while this is going on I have never treated the plant to prevent the caterpillars.

I was fearful of losing my butterflies.

And while they were a secondary bonus, I have adored having them in my yard.

The catterpillars eat much of the plant down to stubs.

They also look a little like a monster from a bad B-movie.

With that said, my creepy caterpillars haven't damaged anything long term.

So, the caterpillars and I have an agreement.

They don't bother me, I don't bother them.

All in all, these are one of the most eye catching, easy to keep and most whimsical plants in my yard.

I can't imagine my Florida garden without them!

Have questions? Contact me about using Passion Vine in your garden.