Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Climber
Blue passion flower: when and how to prune
Passiflora caerulea
Blue passion flower is best pruned in March–April.
| Pruning months | March–April |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March–April |
| Flowering | June–September |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Blue passion flower: when to prune it?
In March–April, once the frosts are over.
Blue passion flower: how to prune it?
- Remove frost-damaged and dead stems and thin the plant out to let in light and air.
- Shorten side shoots to 2–3 buds: it flowers on this year’s new shoots.
- If all the top growth has been killed by frost, cut everything back to just above the ground and wait: it often reshoots from the roots in May–June.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–April.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March–April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
Caution: Not fully hardy: cover the base with a thick layer of mulch in winter. A frosted plant often reshoots from the roots.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Blue passion flower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.