Passion Flower

The unusual shape of the passion flower has always appealed to those who are interested in flower symbolism.  When the first conquistadors from Spain landed in Peru in the 16th century, they brought with them Catholic missionaries.  Among the many new plants that were discovered was a vine with particularly striking flowers whose reproductive organs were of unusual construction.  The Jesuits, asserting that the flowers were reminiscent of the wounds of Christ, named the plant "passion flower."  This gave rise to much speculation as to just which parts of the flower relate to the Passion story.  The long filaments arranged in a circle are said to be like the crown of thorns;  in the center, the column would be the one used for the flagellation;  the nails for the crucifixion are at the top and the dark red coloring is a symbol of the blood of Christ's five wounds.  The symbolism that was built up around this flower was written down by an Italian historian, Giacoma Bosio, in his Trattato sulla crocifissione di Nostro Signore (Treaty on the Crucifixion of Our Lord), published in 1610.
There are several meanings associated with the passiflora;  susceptibility, faith, religious faith, and a token of remembrance.

At Greene Florist, we now have a limited supply of Passion Flower Trellises, available in 7" pot for $27.95.

A beautiful climbing vine with truly unique flowers.  It is sure to add beauty and enjoyment to your outdoor living.  The flowers are so eye-catching and unique they keep gardeners coming back year after year.  Passionflower are suitable to be grown along a trellis, fence, arbor, balcony, or as a hanging basket.  They may be placed in a full to partial sun location and prefer evenly moist soil, fertilizing regularly.  Flowering time is May-October.  Not winterhardy.