Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Tuesday - May 06, 2014

From: Mechanicsville, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Vines
Title: Waiting for a Passiflora to Emerge
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

My passiflora vine in Virginia seems to have died in our severe winter. Should I continue to wait for new growth or dig it up now and start again?

ANSWER:

It is quite possible that the harsh 2013-2014 winter could have caused your Passiflora (passion flower) vine to succumb to the cold temperatures, freezing and thawing weather or waterlogged soil. Without knowing which of the six native passiflora you have, Mr. Smarty Plants can't pinpoint the exact reason. But, by this time your vine should have leaved out or sent up new shoots from the base. So, use this as an opportunity to start anew. The six native passionflowers are Passiflora affinis (bracted passionflower), Passiflora foetida (corona de cristo), Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower), Passiflora lutea (yellow passion vine), Passiflora suberosa (corkstem passionvine), and Passiflora tenuiloba (big wing passionflower).

The hardiest of these native vines are Passiflora incarnata (zone 7) and Passiflora lutea (zone 6).

 

From the Image Gallery


Bracted passionflower
Passiflora affinis



Maypop
Passiflora incarnata

Yellow passionflower
Passiflora lutea

Birdwing passionflower
Passiflora tenuiloba

More Vines Questions

Is Convolvulus equitans poisonous?
August 22, 2015 - Hello, Can you tell me if convolvulus equitans is poisonous? If so, can you tell me how poisonous and which parts are poisonous? I am considering putting this in my backyard but I have a dog and an...
view the full question and answer

Vine non-toxic to alpacas and dogs from Fowler CA
June 29, 2012 - We have alpacas and would like to plant a flowering vine on a backyard fence that adjoins the pasture. We live in Central California so we have many hot days during the summer and would like a plan...
view the full question and answer

California native vine
June 21, 2008 - Hello, I am looking for a california native vine that can "cover" a wrought iron fence. I would like a vine that does not require too much care and can handle a fair amount of sun exposure.
view the full question and answer

Native vines to cover limestone walls in Austin
April 28, 2008 - We are moving into a house in Austin that has three tiered 5'- 6' retaining walls in the back yard. They are huge and somewhat of an eye sore. We have some cool landscaping ideas to make the most ...
view the full question and answer

Edible forest garden for northern Minnesota
March 07, 2014 - I am planning an edible forest garden for northern Minnesota. Can you suggest a list of plants that are native to this area. We are in zone 3a or 3b. Thank you!
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.