What's blooming at the Baltimore Conservatory?
Photo credit: Michael Lemmon
Passiflora
The Passiflora or “Passion flower” traces its name to 17th Century Spanish missionaries who called it "La Flor de las cinco Llagas" or the “The Flower with the Five Wounds” relating it to the Passion of Jesus Christ in Christianity.
The beautiful flower, blooming now in Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park, has a unique and complex structure that can grow up to 4 inches in diameter.
In Israel and Japan it is referred to as the “clock” plant. Most varieties of Passiflora grow as a vine and are expert climbers that can reach lengths of over 20 feet.
This specimen known as Passiflora caerulea or “Blue Passionflower” is native to Brazil and Argentina. Most passionflowers like full sun and do best in USDA Zones 8 - 11.
Categories: Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory
