Hello everyone,
Got my first P. cincinnata bloom of the year today. This particular plant had not bloomed before, and the flower looks a little different--the central magenta area is larger than my other cincinnatas. These are so impressive to see!!! Definitely my favorite species.
Mark
Lovely bloom, Mark! I have a small plant, and I'm really hoping I get to see blooms this summer. It's been growing like crazy, so hopefully blooms are next. Do you have any tips on culture/getting it to bloom/overwintering?
Hi Sunnyg,
This plant seems to thrive in our south Louisiana heat and humidity. It does not like the cold--in the fall and winter I bring it in if the temps are going to drop below 40. It is a very vigorous vine! Mine seem to bloom only if they can get their roots out of the drain holes in their pots and into the ground, so I make sure there is enough dirt under the pot for them to do that. Don't worry, the roots will not survive the winter. I would use one-third or one-half strength fertilizer (I use Dynamite) if it stops growing and looks like it needs it. The main pests are Gulf Fritillary catepillars and spider mites. I use my fingers to squash the cats, and insecticidal soap on the mites. Good luck with yours!
Mark
p.s. I should get another flower open tomorrow.
Mark, thanks for the info! Did you get that next bloom? What size pot do you use for your cincinnata vines? Based on your info, I think I might need to downsize my pot and give the plant some good dirt to stretch out in underneath the pot (I have horrid clay soil). Perhaps it won't like this though? I'm considering bringing the pot upstairs and onto the sheltered balcony for winter, to see if it can successfully overwinter tucked in next to the sliding glass door. My pepper plants overwinter up there with no problem, and my location is really on the cusp of 9b/10a. Do you think this is feasible? Thanks again for letting me pick your brain on this...
Sunny
Mark that's just downright illegal gorgeous............
Hi Sunnyg,
Sorry for the delay in responding--I was on vacation this past week. I did get the next bloom (pic below), and if you notice, they both have only 4 anthers. They also produce only a small amount of pollen, so I suspect this may be a natural hybrid (the seller didn't control the pollenation for the seeds I got). I use a 3 to 4 gallon pot, and that's the smallest size I would use for this vine. You can overwinter outside, as long as you bring it in if it freezes.
I've got more buds on this vine, and one of my other cincinnatas. Should open in a week or so.
Thanks mjs!
Mark
Mark, it's very beautiful! Thanks so much for the additional information! I'll consider this Winter an experiment... Mine is growing like crazy, but no sign of buds. It was a small, well-rooted cutting when I bought it though, so perhaps it just needs to get some additional size on it.
It is very beautiful. This is a passionflower I am definitely going to add to my collection. Really
nice photograph Louisiana.
