Passiflora incarnata 'Eia Popeia' - rezistenta la frig, fructe comestibile!

Passiflora incarnata 'Eia Popeia', also known as the “Cooltropics® Eia Popeia® passion flower,” is a hybrid cultivar of the species Passiflora incarnata, from the Passifloraceae family. Developed by Lubera Edibles as part of the Cooltropics® series, this climbing plant is renowned for its large, deep violet flowers and remarkable cold resistance, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C. It is ideal for temperate gardens, pergolas, fences, or as a container plant, offering an exotic floral display and edible, flavorful fruits if properly pollinated. It was awarded the INNOVERT Gold Medal 2024 for horticultural innovation.

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits

• Leaves: The leaves are trilobed, glossy, of a deep green color, measuring 5-10 cm long. Arranged alternately, they form a dense background that persists until winter, when the aerial parts may die back in colder climates, with the plant regenerating from the roots in spring.
• Flowers: The flowers are large, 8-10 cm in diameter, with pale violet petals and sepals and a crown of long, wavy filaments in shades of deep violet to blue, with white and purple accents at the base. The floral structure is complex, with a prominent central column, and emits a delicate floral fragrance. Blooming starts in June and continues until October, being prolific and early.
• Fruits: The fruits are ovoid, 5-6 cm, green when immature, turning yellow-orange at maturity (September-October). They are edible, with juicy, tangy pulp, ideal for juices, jams, or fresh consumption. Fruit set requires cross-pollination with another variety, such as Passiflora 'Snowstar'® or Passiflora incarnata.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: Grows up to 2-4 meters tall and 0.7-1.5 meters wide, being a vigorous climbing plant that quickly ascends trellises, fences, or pergolas using tendrils.
• Vigor: Rapid growth under optimal conditions, forming a dense screen of foliage and flowers. Aerial parts die back in winter in temperate climates, but the hardy roots regenerate in spring.
• Type: Perennial climbing plant, semi-evergreen in mild climates or deciduous in colder areas, behaving as a perennial due to robust roots.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun (6+ hours/day) for abundant flowering and well-ripened fruits, but tolerates partial shade, where flowering may be reduced. A location sheltered from cold winds is recommended.
• 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 favor foliage over flowers.
• Watering: Water regularly in the first year, keeping the soil moist but not stagnant. Once established, it is drought tolerant, but occasional watering during hot periods supports fruiting.
• Pollination: It is self-sterile, requiring another variety for cross-pollination (e.g., 'Snowstar'® or Passiflora incarnata). Pollination is carried out by bees and bumblebees, effective within a maximum distance of 10 meters between plants.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Hardy in zones 5-9 (down to -15°C or -20°C under optimal conditions), due to the heritage of Passiflora incarnata, native to eastern USA. Aerial parts die back in winter, but roots survive and regenerate. Tolerates summer heat 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 promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: Prune in spring (March-April) the dried or damaged branches to stimulate regeneration. Moderate pruning can control plant 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.

Usage

Passiflora incarnata 'Eia Popeia' is ideal for exotic gardens, pergolas, fences, trellises, or as a container plant on terraces. Its spectacular violet flowers and edible fruits add 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 attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity. The dense foliage and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for ornamental landscapes.

Origin

Passiflora incarnata 'Eia Popeia' 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 vibrant colors and adaptability to temperate climates.

Pot diameter: 14 cm

In the cold season, plants are sold without leaves.