Passiflora allardii | The Italian Collection of Maurizio Vecchia

DESCRIPTION:

This ancient hybrid is among the most graceful and appreciated by enthusiasts. Its flowers are large (9-10 cm in diameter), fleshy, fragrant and decorative. The colours range from the slightly pinkish white of the sepals, to the intense pink of the petals and the dark blue-violet of the large crown, the filaments of which are straight and almost the same length as the petals. Flowering is generous and abundant from April to November and occurs in continuous waves on the ends of the new shoots.

This climber, derived from P. quadrangularis, has a robust and vigorous posture. It has reddish square section shoots with protruding edges and reaches 4-5 m in length. Its large, shiny and slightly leathery trilobate leaves (about 16 x 16 cm) are supported by curved petioles, which bear 2 pairs of glands.
It can bear fruit, producing ovoid orange fruits of about 6 cm in diameter. Any seeds contained in them are however sterile.

This plant has a good adaptability: it is easily cultivated in pots, as long as you have the foresight to guarantee adequate space for its potential growth and regular fertilisation. It will begin to flower even when it is still small in size and will give its best when placed in containers of 30-35 cm in diameter.

In open ground it can acclimatise only in the mild areas of the Ligurian Riviera and southern Italy, as it can be damaged by prolonged periods with temperatures below 4°C; on the other hand, it tolerates very brief frosts.

As a houseplant it requires a position of great brightness to best develop its aesthetic qualities.

Multiplication is possible only by cutting, a technique that can be used in any season.