Passiflora incarnata 'Snowstar' - rezistenta la frig, fructe comestibile!

Passiflora incarnata 'Snowstar', also known as the "Cooltropics® Snowstar® passionflower" or "white passionflower," is a hybrid cultivar of the species Passiflora incarnata, from the Passifloraceae family. Developed as part of Lubera Edibles' Cooltropics® series, this climbing plant is remarkable for its large, white, exotic flowers and its exceptional cold tolerance, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C. It is ideal for temperate gardens, pergolas, fences, or as a container plant, offering an impressive floral display and edible, flavorful fruits if properly pollinated.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are glossy, trilobed, of an intense green, measuring 5-10 cm in length. They are arranged alternately and form a dense, attractive background that persists until winter, when the aerial parts may die back in colder climates, with the plant behaving as a perennial.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, 8-9 cm in diameter, of a pure white, with a crown of long, wavy, white filaments, with subtle purple accents at the base. The floral structure is complex, with a prominent central column, and emits a delicate, pleasant fragrance. Blooming starts in mid-June and continues until October, earlier than other passionflowers.
• Fruits: The fruits are ovoid, about the size of an egg (approximately 5-6 cm), green when immature, turning yellow-green at maturity (September-October). They are edible, with a juicy, tangy pulp typical of passion fruits, ideal for juices, jams, or fresh consumption. For fruiting, the plant requires cross-pollination with another variety, such as Passiflora 'Eia Popeia'® or Passiflora incarnata.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Grows up to 2-3.5 meters tall and 0.7-1 meter wide, being a vigorous climbing plant that quickly climbs trellises or fences using tendrils.
• Vigor: Rapid growth, especially under optimal conditions, forming a dense screen of foliage and flowers. The aerial parts die back in winter in temperate climates, but the plant regenerates from the roots in spring.
• Type: Perennial climbing plant, semi-evergreen in mild climates or deciduous in colder areas, behaving as a perennial due to its hardy roots.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for abundant flowering and well-ripened fruits, but tolerates partial shade. A position protected from cold winds is ideal.
• Soil: Grows in moist, well-drained soils, from sandy to loamy, with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.5). Does not tolerate waterlogged or excessively fertile soils, which can lead to vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year, keeping the soil moist but without stagnation. Once established, it is drought tolerant, but occasional watering during hot periods improves fruiting.
• Pollination: It is self-sterile, requiring another variety for cross-pollination (e.g., 'Eia Popeia'® or Passiflora incarnata). Pollination is carried out by bees and bumblebees, effective at a maximum distance of 10 meters between plants.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Hardy in zones 5-9 (down to -15°C or even -20°C under optimal conditions), due to the heritage of the species Passiflora incarnata, native to eastern USA. The aerial parts die back in winter, but the roots survive and regenerate in spring. It tolerates summer heat well and is resistant to most pests, but may attract red spider mites or aphids.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring, once every 6-8 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Prune in spring (March-April) the dry or damaged branches to encourage regeneration. Moderate pruning can control size and shape.
• Pests and diseases: May be affected by aphids on young shoots or fungal diseases (e.g., leaf spots) in wet conditions. Treat with natural insecticides or fungicides if necessary.
• Propagation: Propagated by semi-woody stem cuttings in summer or by seeds in spring, although seeds are less effective due to the hybrid nature.

Passiflora incarnata 'Snowstar' is ideal for exotic gardens, pergolas, fences, trellises, or as a container plant on terraces. Its spectacular white flowers and edible fruits add a tropical charm, perfect for creating a green screen or covering structures. It pairs well with other climbing plants, such as clematis or jasmine, or with tropical plants like banana trees or hibiscus, for a lush effect. It is also an attraction for bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity. It received the INNOVERT Gold Medal 2024 for its horticultural innovation.

Origin

Passiflora incarnata 'Snowstar' is a hybrid developed by Raphael Maier and Lubera AG (Switzerland), as part of the Cooltropics® series, which targets cold-hardy passionflowers. Based on the species Passiflora incarnata, native to eastern USA, this selection was optimized for cold resistance, early flowering, and fruiting. Recently launched, it quickly gained popularity due to its exotic appearance and adaptability to temperate climates.

Pot diameter: 14 cm

In the cold season, plants are sold without leaves.