When I told a gardening buddy that I let Passiflora grow in my garden, she told me I was crazy!!!  It is an aggressive vining plant, and can get out of control really quickly.

 

I am selective about where I let it grow.  I weed out all the sprouts that are not in MY chosen spot.  I let them grow up the north side of a couple of tomato cages.  That way they don't hog the light from the tomatoes, and we still get to enjoy this gorgeous sight.  There are about 10 blossoms out there right now.  

 

By allowing some to stay, we are also supporting the Fritillary population in our garden.  They use Passiflora for their host plant.  They lay their eggs on the leaves, and when the caterpillars emerge they eat the leaves.  If they don't have enough food they will overwinter as caterpillars and resume their feeding the following spring.  How do they do that?  I don't know, but I make sure we provide some Passiflora for our friends, the Fritillaries.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!