Passion Flower

[pudandperce]

In the summer we were given a passion flower cutting, which is now in an 18" pot. It has two good upright stems, about 18" and one smaller one, about 10" long. How should I look after it over the winter - should I cut it back?

[wendilla]

I have one and put it outside and it has taken over the whole wall the more I trim it the better it grows the following year .It goes completely bare over the winter months and you would think it was dead .I also have loads of fruit on it.

[Thunderbird+]

Hi pudandperce, In answere to the last part of your question, I take it that they are newly rooted cuttings, if so I would keep them protected over winter if thats posible ie a cool green house, conservatory or cold frame, tender plants such as these will adjust better if they are planted out after any fear of frost has passed, the latter half of May should be okay in most areas. This way it will have progresivly warmer weather ahead of it rather than getting colder with the onset of winter.
Pruning should be done in spring, basicly cutting out any weak growth or dead or damaged and retaining strong healthy growth. A sunny south facing position is best trained on horizontal wires. it will benifit from a mulch around the roots in spring and again in late autumn.
Good Luck Tbird+