Three Lobed Flowering Vines

Invasive Morning Glories

• Morning glory is known for the bright solid or multi-colored flowers that open in the morning and close before noon. This three lobed, heart shaped flowering vine also grows by attaching itself to structures with its tendrils. As attractive as morning glory flowers are, the manner in which they self seed sends seeds flying far from the planting area, and in some places such as Texas and Oregon, it returns with such vigor (even though it's considered an annual,) that it is deemed an invasive species.

Passionflower Vine Varieties

• The most common passionflower species found throughout temperate places in the United States is P. edulis "Sims," or Purple Granadilla. It grows in warmer climates such as places within USDA hardiness zone 9. Passiflora incarnata is commonly known as passionvine, and it is found in places further north and would therefore be hardy to USDA hardiness zone 8.

  P. incarnata or Maypop (also called May Pop) is considered the showiest of native Passiflora species. This variety produces pink to purple flowers that measure 3 to 5 inches. The plants flower from summer into early fall, with each flower lasting for one day. Smooth-edged leaves have three lobes. The leaves are glossy deep green on the top and a paler, more dull green on the underside. The leaves, young stems and tendrils are sometimes tinged with red or purple, especially in the yellow variety. Vines produce an abundance of fruits and flowers.

Passionflower Vine Care

• Passionflower vines generally need full sun; however, in extremely hot places, plants will do better when planted in partial shade. Although this vine is capable of growing in many soil types, the ideal soil is light to heavy sand loam with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Passionflower vines have very shallow roots, so they need excellent drainage. Soil needs to have a high content of organic matter and low salt content. If soil is overly acidic, apply lime to neutralize it.

  Plants require a lot of water and as long as they receive sufficient water, vines can flower and produce fruits almost continuously throughout the growing season.

Simple Propagation

• Passionflower vine is usually grown from seed. Seeds from yellow plants provide cross pollination that can help overcome the self sterility problem that is associated with the yellow variety. Seeds that are planted soon after removal from fruit germinate in roughly 10 to 20 day. Seeds that are cleaned and stored have lower germination rates. Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch below the soil surface. Seedling are ready for transplantation when they reach a height of 10 inches.

  Plants are also propagated by cuttings or by layers using mature wood with three to four nodes. Rooting hormone may hasten the rooting process. It takes about 90 days for cuttings to develop enough of a root system to be ready for transplantation outside.