Does Passion Flower Die Back in Winter?

Passion flowers are stunning ornamental vines that produce exotic flowers in a variety of colors. They originate from warm tropical regions but have become popular garden plants worldwide. With their rapid growth and tropical origins, passion flower vines require some special care when grown in colder climates where they die back in winter.

The Growth Habits of Passion Flower Vines

There are over 500 species of passion flower vines in the Passiflora genus. They are tendril climbers that can grow 10-20 feet long or more in a single season. The leaves are lobed and toothed, typically 3-8 inches wide.

The exotic flowers have prominent stamens and filaments surrounded by colorful petal-like tepals. Some popular passion flower species grown include

• Maypop passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) – purple and white flowers, hardy in zones 6-9
• Blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea) – blue and white flowers, hardy in zones 7-10
• Giant granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis) – large pink and white flowers with edible fruit, hardy in zones 9-11

Passion flowers are vigorous vines that climb by axillary tendrils that twist around any nearby support. In warm climates passion flower vines remain evergreen year-round. The vines develop woody stems over time.

However, in cold winter climates, the above ground vines are killed back by freezing weather. The roots survive below ground to re-sprout new growth when temperatures warm up in spring.

Preparing Passion Flowers for Winter Die Back

Gardeners in cold winter regions where passion flowers die back need to provide some special care to help the plants survive freezing temperatures:

• Choose a hardy species – Select passion flower cultivars suited for your climate zone. Maypop and blue passion flower tolerate cold better than tropical types.

• Sheltered location – Plant in a spot protected from wind and exposed to warmth. Next to foundations, rocks, and concrete surfaces work well.

• Reduce fertilizer – Avoid late season fertilization which spurs tender new growth before winter arrives.

• Allow to go dormant – Once flowering ends, cut back on watering to help the plant go dormant.

• Mulch the base – Insulate roots from hard freezes by mulching with leaves, straw, or other organic materials.

• Prune back – In late fall, prune vines back substantially to prevent damage from snow load.

• Delay pruning – Wait until after the last frost of spring to prune out dead vines and tidy up plants.

Caring for Dormant Passion Flower Vines

Passion flower will likely die back to the ground over winter in cold climates. You’ll be left with bare, frozen vines and stems. Here’s how to care for dormant passion flowers in winter:

• Leave dead vines and canes in place over winter to insulate roots and stems. Remove only broken or diseased growth.

• Avoid heavy pruning or digging around roots during dormancy. Wait for spring growth to resume.

• Don’t fertilize or overwater dormant vines. This can trigger frost-susceptible new growth.

• Check base mulch to ensure roots stay insulated in extreme cold. Add more as needed.

• Monitor for pests like scales that attack weakened vines and treat any infestations.

Reviving Passion Flowers After Winter

In spring, follow these tips to successfully revive passion flowers after winter die back:

• Prune out all dead growth back to healthy stems when outdoor temperatures warm up. Remove diseased canes entirely.

• Loosen and aerate surrounding soil, amend with compost if needed.

• Apply balanced fertilizer or compost tea once new leaves emerge.

• Water when soil dries to support rapid regrowth, but avoid overwatering.

• Train new vines onto supports. Passion flowers rebound quickly in warm weather.

• Protect new growth by covering or moving containers indoors if late frosts threaten.

Tips for Overwintering Success

Here are some additional pointers to help passion flowers thrive in climates where they die back:

• Grow in movable containers that can be overwintered indoors or in a protected location.

• Use trellises that are movable for overwintering indoors.

• Plant next to heat absorbing foundations, rocks, or concrete surfaces.

• Cover vines with breathable fabric or use a cold frame in winter.

• Select native species and cultivars specifically bred for cold hardiness.

• Propagate vines annually as insurance if older plants fail to resprout.

• Remove fruits the first year so plants direct energy to root establishment rather than seeds.

With the right passion flower species for your zone, proper care, and ideal placement, you can successfully grow these exotic vines even where they die back in winter. Just provide a little extra protection, and your passion flowers will continue providing stunning blooms year after year.