Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Passiflora suberosa |
| Family Name: | Passifloraceae |
| Common Name(s): | Corky-stemmed Passion Flower, Corkystem Passionvine, Indigo Berry |
| Size: | Can climb 6-15 feet when supported |
| Plant Type: | Perennial Vine/Ground Cover |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America |
| Native to: | Widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions |
| Native range in the USA: | Florida and other Gulf Coast states |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Best planted in early spring or fall |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type: | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH: | 6.1 to 7.8 (acidic, neutral - alkaline) |
| Water Requirements: | Medium; drought-tolerant once established but prefers regular watering during dry periods |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Apply a balanced fertilizer bimonthly during the growing season. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune in late winter to control size and encourage new growth |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; can quickly cover trellises or fences |
| Companion Planting: | Works well with other climbers like Clematis and climbing roses for visual variety |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; can withstand dry periods once established |
| Frost Tolerance: | Moderate; can tolerate light frosts but may suffer damage in temperatures below 32°F (0°C). It tends to die back in colder climates during winter but can regrow from the roots in spring if the root system is well-protected. |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; well-suited for hot climates, can thrive in temperatures up to about 95°F (35°C) or higher. |
| Wind Tolerance: | Low; needs protection from strong winds |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; not suitable for direct coastal exposure |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 7b-11a |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Small purple-black berries (Indigo Berry) |
| Harvest Time: | Late summer to fall. The exact months can vary depending on your local climate and growing conditions, but generally, the berries mature from late August through October. This is when the fruits turn from green to a deep purple or black, indicating they are ripe. If well established and in ideal growing conditions you may get fruit earlier and multiple times in the year. |
| Fruit Description: | Edible but not palatable; primarily ornamental |
| Edible Plant: | Yes, cooked or raw, but the fruit is not commonly eaten due to its bland taste. |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit, leaves |
| Medicinal: | Leaves, boiled or steamed. Traditionally used in various cultures for medicinal purposes. |
| Flower Color: | Greenish-white |
| Flower Shape: | Small, tubular |
| Fragrance: | Subtly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Spring to early summer |
| Bloom Duration: | Several months with intermittent blooms throughout the season |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly drawn to its flowers and fruits |
| Pollinators: | Bees and butterflies |
| Problematic Pest: | Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by aphids and scale insects |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested in large quantities |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Leaves and vines are potentially toxic |
| Toxic to Humans: | Caution advised; the plant's sap can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes |
| Toxic to Animals: | Yes, particularly toxic to pets if consumed in large amounts |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Vulnerable to fungal diseases in overly humid or wet conditions |
Corkystem Passionvine (Passiflora Suberosa)
The Passiflora Suberosa is an exotic flowering plant that adds color and beauty to any outdoor space or garden setting. This species of passionflower thrives in warm climates with plenty of humidity and moisture; however, it does require some maintenance in order to keep it healthy throughout the year—including regular pruning and fertilization during the summer months when it’s actively growing. With just a bit of care and attention, however, you can enjoy this gorgeous plant for many years to come!
Passiflora Suberosa has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous cultures in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The leaves are known for their calming effect on the mind while the flowers are used as a treatment for insomnia due to their sedative properties. Additionally, this species is known for being highly resistant to many common pests making it an ideal choice for home gardeners looking for low maintenance plants that won’t require frequent pest control measures.
Companion Planting
For Passiflora suberosa (Corky-stemmed Passion Flower), here are some ideal companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly. These companions can enhance the beauty and ecological benefits of your garden, promoting biodiversity and attracting pollinators:
Florida Native Plants
Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa)
Zone Range: 10-11
Benefits: Offers dense foliage that can provide a backdrop for the more delicate Passiflora vines. Wild Coffee also produces attractive red berries that attract birds.
Use: Ideal for shaded areas where it can thrive alongside the light-loving Passiflora suberosa, providing contrast and habitat for wildlife.
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 5-9
Benefits: The vibrant purple berries of Beautyberry are visually striking against the green foliage and subtle flowers of Passiflora suberosa. Both plants are excellent for attracting birds and pollinators.
Use: Perfect for borders or as an understory plant in larger landscapes.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: With its bright red-orange flowers, Firebush attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, which can also benefit the pollination of Passiflora. Its upright growth complements the climbing habit of Passiflora.
Use: Suitable for creating dynamic, multi-layered garden areas.
Florida Friendly Plants
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Known for attracting butterflies, Pentas has vibrant flowers that can draw more pollinators to support the growth of Passiflora suberosa.
Use: Works well in mixed flower beds or containers where it can complement the height and spread of climbing vines.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: The tall, striking flowers of Purple Coneflower provide vertical interest and attract a variety of beneficial insects that can also benefit nearby plants like Passiflora.
Use: Ideal for perennial borders and wildlife gardens.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Zone Range: Varies by species
Benefits: Salvia flowers throughout the summer, offering nectar for bees and butterflies which helps in pollinating nearby Passiflora plants.
Use: Excellent for adding long-lasting color and attracting pollinators throughout the growing season.
These companion plants not only visually complement Passiflora suberosa but also create a supportive ecosystem for pollinators and other wildlife, enhancing the overall health and appeal of your garden.