PASSIFLORA x belotii 'Imperatrice Eugenia'

Fabulous hybrid of Passiflora belotii, a robust, perennial and semi-deciduous climber, with a fast growth and native to central-southern America: it can be pushed up, to its maximum development, over 3 m in height and expand in width almost to the same extent. Already branched from the base, it has numerous semi-woody or herbaceous stems which, dividing further, move upwards, hooking themselves to everything they encounter on their path thanks to thin tendrils: the leaves, opposite and glabrous, trilobate with smooth margins and obtuse apices , are bright green. Between late spring and autumn, from the axillary region of the leaves in the terminal parts of the branches emerge large and showy flowers, with white-pink tepals and an unusual and complex architecture, in which it is possible to recognize symbols of the Passion of Christ, from which the popular name of "Passion Flower" with which this plant is often remembered.

It prefers sunny locations or at most partial shade, and adapts to any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. It tolerates short periods of drought and instead takes advantage of periodic summer wetting; does not like the salinity typical of sea winds in coastal regions where planting in a protected position is recommended. It bears minimum winter temperatures only a few degrees below zero, therefore where the cold can be intense and lasting it is preferable to choose a sheltered location or to effectively mulch the pedal with dry leaves and straw or to guarantee it shelter in a cool and bright environment in winter. In spring, at the vegetative restart, we can remove dry, damaged, old or bulky portions and at the same time shorten the various stems to ensure the thickening of the plant and consequently a more generous subsequent summer flowering. It lends itself successfully to cultivation on terraces and balconies in large containers and pots, with suitable tutors. In the open ground in the garden, it can be left free to climb nearby trees or bushes, but also to elegantly cover pergolas and gazebos, metal meshes and fences, guaranteeing a lasting color spot although delicate and light.