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Passion flower planting

bobhughes10231Xdjzk0mbobhughes10231Xdjzk0m Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have acquired six passion flower plants, all growing well in tiny 4" pots. I have a South-facing fence where I plan to plant them but the border is not ready yet and I will have to string some wires for supports.

My questions are: It will be at least four weeks before they can get into the ground - how best to keep them happy. The fence is about 10 metres long and five feet high. Are six plants too many or should I just space them out evenly and let them loose.

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    If the plants are root bound in the tiny pots , you may well be advised to repot into something larger.  4 weeks is quite a long time to leave them particularly at this time of year. Things happen too so you may not have the border ready in that time  ;)
    If you have the basic P cerulea, they are strong growing plants which will happily grow to more than 5 foot in height.  6 of these plants will more than cover the 10 mts length and I would suggest 3 at a maximum.  Even then,  after a couple of years you may find them a bit OTT for the space.  Greedy plants too and be aware that planting against a fence/wall quite often can mean a lot of watering will be needed. 
  • bobhughes10231Xdjzk0mbobhughes10231Xdjzk0m Posts: 2
    I have 2 each of:
    • Passiflora 'Caerulea': Two-toned blue and white flowers, with purple detail.
    • Passiflora 'Amethyst': Rich, violet purple blooms.
    • Passiflora 'Constance Elliott': Elegant, pure white flowers.
    If I don't need them all for the fence, what should I do with the rest?
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    They will ned to be much larger plants before they are suitable for planting out. I would not do so until they are filling 2l. pots.
    Constance Elliot is not fully hardy, so may need Winter protection.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    @bobhughes10231Xdjzk0m  P Constance Elliot is not completely hardy in all but the mildest parts of England.
    I don't have any experience with P amethyst so can't help there.  As already said the P caerulea is the hardiest ( and probably the most commonly grown ) variety.  I imagine it will easily outgrow the other 2 so you may want to reconsider
    Like any other plant, it will depend on your location/site as to which will do better for you.  If you have too many plants, offer them to neighbours/friends/take to local plant sale, etc.
    If you think your site will be suitable for the P Constance Elliot and the P Amethyst, I'd say use those but obviously up to you. 
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