Passiflora incarnata x cincinnata ‘Incense’

Flowers

• Appearance: The flowers are dramatic and show-stopping, with large, fragrant blooms measuring 4–5 inches across. They feature a central crown of intricate, thread-like filaments in shades of deep purple, blending into lighter lavender or white tones toward the tips. The base of the flower includes five sepals and five petals, also tinged with purple hues, creating a striking, layered effect.
• Fragrance: Sweet and intoxicating, the fragrance is especially noticeable on warm days, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
• Bloom Time: Flowers appear prolifically from late spring through early fall, adding continuous visual and sensory appeal.

Foliage

• Appearance: The leaves are deeply lobed, typically divided into three to five segments, resembling an open hand. They are bright to medium green with a glossy surface, providing a lush, tropical look.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly leathery to the touch, with a vibrant sheen that enhances their ornamental quality.
• Growth Habit: The foliage grows densely on the plant's fast-growing, vining stems, creating a rich, leafy backdrop for the vibrant flowers.
• Seasonality: Semi-evergreen in warmer climates, with leaves persisting year-round, while in cooler zones, the foliage dies back in winter but regrows from the roots in spring.

Planting Requirements

• Light: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily for the best flowering performance.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Enrich sandy or clay soils with organic matter to improve texture and drainage.
• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early summer after the last frost to allow roots to establish in warm weather.

Watering

• Maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the first growing season.
• Once established, the plant is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during hot, dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Fertilization

• Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• Reduce feeding in fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak growth and to encourage vigorous new shoots.
• Lightly trim throughout the growing season to control size and maintain shape, if necessary.

Support

• Provide a sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence for the plant to climb. This hybrid is a vigorous grower and requires ample vertical space to sprawl.

Pests and Diseases

• Watch for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Special Features

• Flowers: Show-stopping, fragrant purple blooms with intricate, frilly filaments that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Blooms typically appear from late spring through early fall.
• Foliage: Glossy, lobed green leaves provide an attractive backdrop to the flowers.
• Fruit: May produce small, egg-shaped fruit in warm climates, though fruit set is variable and often less abundant than other passionflower species.

Winter Care

• Hardy in USDA zones 7–10. In colder zones, protect the roots with a thick layer of mulch or grow the plant in a container and bring it indoors during winter.
• For container-grown plants, place them in a bright, cool indoor location and water sparingly during dormancy.

Additional Tips

• This hybrid is known for its vigor and can spread rapidly in ideal conditions. Monitor growth to prevent it from overwhelming nearby plants.
• Ideal for pollinator gardens, fences, or trellised displays.

By providing proper care, Passiflora incarnata x cincinnata 'Incense' will reward you with stunning flowers and lush greenery, making it a focal point in any garden.