Passion Flowers

[Meg]

I've no new growth at all on my passion flowers this year. I know they usually start after the clematis, which have really taken off. Is it still to early to expect anything? Thanks for any advice.

[Barmaid]

I've found they can be tempermental. I put a new one in about 6 weeks ago and it's going like wildfire. However, one at my old house would grow early some years and late the next. Part of the problem this year I think is the cold nights - where I have mine is extremely sheltered and gets a double hit of the sun with the reflection off the lake.

[Meg]

Wow, that was quick, thanks. I can't remember when they usually start flourishing, maybe a bit more warmth might get them going again. It is still chilly here at night (North West England) and we haven't had much rain for weeks.

[rowanwitch]

Mine didn't survive the winter, but it was the purple one rather than the traditional tough as old boots type, Trying again with a couple more but will mulch them heavily with straw when it gets cold in late autumn

[foxyferret]

I have two both on an south east facing wall in full sun growing up a sturdy trellis. I made the mistake of pruning them too hard when I didn't know better and they ended up huge with very few flowers. Last time I only pruned them lightly and this year they looked very straggly and pathetic until about the last three weeks. They have now got loads of new leaves and are climbing away. The leaves also seem to be a lot smaller than when I hard pruned it so I think this is a good sign. I am in Cambridge and finally we are getting slightly warmer weather which I think is what has woken it up. Hope the sun shines where you are soon.

[Meg]

Thanks rowan and foxy. They are the hardy type, caerulea, I think. I usually have masses of flowers from early summer to October. Will just keep my fingers crossed and hope that they are just a bit slow this year.
rowanwitch, I tried the purple one once, never flowered at all.