Passiflora suberosa

Common Names

Corkystem Passionflower, Small Passionflower, Small Passionfruit, Cork Passionflower, Cork Passion Vine, Corkstem Passionflower, Corky Stem Passionflower, Devil's Pumpkin, Indigo Berry, Wild Passionfruit

Summary

Corkstem Passionflower is a tropical to subtropical American climbing vine up to about 6 m long, clinging by tendrils with corky bark on older stems; leaves are highly variable and often lobed; flowers are small and greenish-white, and dark purple berries appear when ripe. Native to the Americas, it is widely naturalized and can be invasive in some regions, occupying habitats from forests and woodlands to disturbed sites and gardens.

Cultivation favors full sun to partial shade and a wide moisture range, from wet to dry; ample space is needed to prevent smothering. Propagation is by seed (scarify, soak 24 hours, surface sow) or by stem cuttings (4–6 inches) with rooting hormone, and layering is possible. Hardiness zones 8–11 apply; uses include as groundcover or climbing plant with wildlife value, serving as a larval host for Gulf Fritillary, Julia heliconian, and Zebra Longwing butterflies, and providing small dark purple fruits eaten by birds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15 ft - 19 ft 8 in

Spread

2-19.7 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained sandy or limestone soils.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.1-8.5

Bloom Color

Greenish to yellowish-green with white

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes, Butterflies: Yes, Birds: Yes, Other pollinators: Yes