Troubleshooting
Passiflora incarnata problems — and how to fix them
Passiflora incarnata (Passiflora incarnata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Aggressive suckering
Spreads vigorously by underground runners and can colonise nearby beds; site where it can roam or contain the roots, and pull up unwanted suckers.
Poor flowering in shade or rich soil
Too little sun or excess nitrogen gives leafy growth with few flowers; grow in full sun and feed sparingly with potash rather than nitrogen.
Caterpillar and chewing damage
Foliage is a larval host for fritillary butterflies and may be stripped; tolerate light damage as part of pollinator support, or remove caterpillars by hand if needed.
Winter dieback uncertainty
Tops are killed by frost and the plant is slow to reappear in spring; mark its position and mulch the crown so it is not disturbed before it resprouts.
Prevent passiflora incarnata problems before they start
Most passiflora incarnata issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for passiflora incarnata in general rather than its problems? Read the full passiflora incarnata care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Passiflora incarnata problems — FAQ
Why is my passiflora incarnata aggressive suckering?
Spreads vigorously by underground runners and can colonise nearby beds; site where it can roam or contain the roots, and pull up unwanted suckers.
Why is my passiflora incarnata poor flowering in shade or rich soil?
Too little sun or excess nitrogen gives leafy growth with few flowers; grow in full sun and feed sparingly with potash rather than nitrogen.
Why is my passiflora incarnata caterpillar and chewing damage?
Foliage is a larval host for fritillary butterflies and may be stripped; tolerate light damage as part of pollinator support, or remove caterpillars by hand if needed.
Why is my passiflora incarnata winter dieback uncertainty?
Tops are killed by frost and the plant is slow to reappear in spring; mark its position and mulch the crown so it is not disturbed before it resprouts.