Maypop

Maypop: A Native Passion Fruit for Northern Gardens

(Passiflora incarnata)

Maypop, also known as Wild Passion Flower, is a vigorous perennial vine native to southeastern North America. At Humble Abode Nursery, we offer this unique plant for those seeking an edible, ornamental vine with cold hardiness.

Growing 10-20 feet long, Maypop features three-lobed, dark green leaves and produces stunning, psychedelic, complex flowers 2-3 inches wide. The flowers are typically lavender or purple with intricate structures, followed by egg-shaped, edible fruits.

This vine thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s surprisingly cold-hardy for a passion fruit, suitable for USDA zones 5-9. In colder zones, the vine dies back to the ground in winter but resprouts vigorously in spring.

The fruits, which ripen from green to yellow, have a tart-sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and beverages. All parts of the plant have a history of medicinal use among Native Americans, particularly for anxiety and insomnia.

Maypop is a valuable addition to wildlife gardens, attracting various pollinators with its showy flowers. It serves as a larval host plant for several butterfly species, including the Gulf Fritillary.

This plant can spread through underground runners, so consider its placement carefully. It’s an excellent choice for covering fences, arbors, or trailing over banks for erosion control.

By incorporating Maypop into your landscape, you’re adding a native, edible vine with stunning flowers and ecological benefits. Whether you’re creating a butterfly garden, expanding your edible landscape, or looking for a hardy alternative to tropical passion fruit, Maypop offers a unique and rewarding choice.