There are dozens and dozens of species of Paassionflower, and less than a handful are hardy north of the tropics. This one is; it's unusual when the temperate sibling isn't outshone by its tropical relatives, but this is obviously a spectacular flower. And it's hardy in Zone 7 and vigorous; in fact if it has a fault it is that it is too "enthusiastic", it tends to take over. But look at it! Can you have too much of a good thing. And it produces edible egg-sized fruits (you eat the seeds), but be certain to wait till they're ripe. These flowers are on a Fern Valley Plant right on the road across from the Coastal Plain. Actually, these flowers and the associated foliage is spread out on asphalt.
One in Adelphi, Maryland, one in Wildwood, Florida, one at the US National Arboretum with a grandfatherly interest in many more around the DC area (unless noted, pictures are taken the day of post)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Maypop....Passiflor incarnata, a native Passionflower
There are dozens and dozens of species of Paassionflower, and less than a handful are hardy north of the tropics. This one is; it's unusual when the temperate sibling isn't outshone by its tropical relatives, but this is obviously a spectacular flower. And it's hardy in Zone 7 and vigorous; in fact if it has a fault it is that it is too "enthusiastic", it tends to take over. But look at it! Can you have too much of a good thing. And it produces edible egg-sized fruits (you eat the seeds), but be certain to wait till they're ripe. These flowers are on a Fern Valley Plant right on the road across from the Coastal Plain. Actually, these flowers and the associated foliage is spread out on asphalt.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment