Passiflora mollissima, 10 seeds
From the Andean valleys in South America comes this gorgeous perennial vine. Closely related to the extremely popular (and extremely finicky) Red Passion Flower Vine (Passiflora antioquiensis), this is the easier-to-grow, vigorous pink version. With huge blooms hanging from long tubes, Passiflora mollissima is a very distinctive vine, best viewed when draping down an arbor, and thankfully, the flowers face downwards! Each attractive, exotic-looking flower is highlighted by golden-yellow anthers and green stigma, framed by a purple ring of filaments at the base, wonderfully contrasty. Pollination results in a green long fruits which ripened to a yellow color, looking just like a banana. The pulp inside, though, tastes nothing like its namesake but is orange in color, juicy, tasty and highly aromatic. Second to the Purple Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis), this is the vine esteemed best for juicing. Tri-lobed leaves. Hardy from zone 8 onwards. 20 feet tall, 8 feet wide. Filtered shade. Well-drained garden soil. Moderate water needs, do not overwater. Fresh seeds, harvested 11/2018.
