Description

General aspect and origins - Passiflora incarnata, also known as may apple, maypop, or apricot vine, is a herbaceous passion flower which is native to North America, and which is often met in the southeastern states of the USA. This vine is called 'Maypop' because it tends to be cut back to the ground after a frost, and it generaly grows back in may, sometimes latter.
Leaves - Apricot vine is a very herbaceous vine, which is evergreen in warm climates, but which will be frozen back to the ground in temperate areas. Leaves are deeply trilobed, and are up to 6 in (15 cm) wide.
Flowers - Flowers are fragrant and showy. Aspect is quite variable, from pure white to mauve. Flowers are about 3 to 4 in (7.5 to 10 cm) wide. This vine is generally in bloom from summer till the first frosts.
Fruits - Fruits of the maypop are about 2.5 in (6 cm) long, and are yellow-green. They are edible, and often appreciated, but seldom sold. They are generally eaten fresh.

Culture

This is a very interesting passion vine for the exotic plants enthusiast. It is one of the most frost hardy passion vines, with showy fragrant flowers and edible fruits. Maypop is hardy in USDA zone 7 and warmer. It may be tried in sheltered places in zones 6.
Soil - Passiflora incarnata needs a well-drained ground.

Propagation

This vine is propagated by cuttings and by seeds. As this vine is herbaceous, cuttings should be done in summer. It is also possible to perform root cuttings.

Pests and diseases

As most passion flowers, this vine is susceptible to various viral diseases and to nematodes attacks. It also can be slightly to partly defoliated by caterpillars.