Passion flowers, also known as Passiflora, are a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape. However, their ability to survive a freeze depends on the specific species of passion flower.
The classic passionfruit, Passiflora edulis, is not cold hardy and will not survive a freeze. This particular species is native to tropical and subtropical regions and is not equipped to withstand freezing temperatures. If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, it is best to avoid planting Passiflora edulis unless you are willing to take measures to protect it during the winter.
On the other hand, there is a cold-hardy species of passion flower called Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop. Maypop is native to the southeastern United States and is much more tolerant of cold weather. While it may die down to the ground in a freeze, it typically regrows from the roots in the spring. This resilience makes Passiflora incarnata a popular choice for gardeners in colder climates.
It is important to note that even though Passiflora incarnata is more cold hardy, extreme winter conditions can still affect its survival. In areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to provide some protection for the plants. This can be done by applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots or by covering the plant with a frost blanket during freezing temperatures.
It is worth mentioning that while Passiflora edulis and Passiflora incarnata are the most commonly known species, there are many other species of passion flower with varying degrees of cold hardiness. Some species may be more tolerant of cold temperatures than others, so it is always a good idea to research the specific species you are interested in planting and consider your local climate conditions.
In my personal experience, I have successfully grown Passiflora incarnata in my garden despite occasional freezes during the winter. I live in a region with relatively mild winters, but we do occasionally experience frost and freezing temperatures. My maypop plants have died back in the winter, but they have always come back strong in the spring, producing beautiful flowers and fruit.
To summarize, while Passiflora edulis is not cold hardy and will not survive a freeze, Passiflora incarnata, or maypop, is much more tolerant of cold weather. It may die back in freezing temperatures but will usually regrow from the roots in the spring. Other species of passion flower may have varying degrees of cold hardiness, so it is important to research the specific species before planting in colder climates. Providing some protection, such as mulching or covering, can help improve the chances of survival during harsh winters.
