All about Passiflora Caerulea
What is the passion flower and what are its healing effects?
When you read about something called Passiflora Caerulea, you are not very clear about what it is about. In fact, it is the name by which the passion flower is known to everyone, one of the most beneficial plants for human health. In the following lines, we will try to talk to you, briefly, about this plant and its positive effects on health.
The symbol of the Passion of Christ
Passiflora Caerulea has been known since the first half of the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadors described its flowers as a symbol of the Passion of the Savior Jesus Christ.
Currently, there are several species of this flower, and most of them are found in South and Central America, North America, Australia and Southeast Asia.
Passiflora Caerulea, a flower that attracts all eyes
Passiflora Caerulea, also known as the Blue Passion Flower, is a plant that attracts attention with its special beauty and beneficial effects on health. If it is also your favorite, let’s see what information we managed to find for you.
Passiflora Caerulea description
Passiflora Caerulea is actually a liana that originates in South America. Known for its spectacular flowers, it comes in a variety of colors, but especially in its blue version, which adds a touch of elegance and charm to the garden.
Its flowers have a complex design, with petals and sepals arranged to suggest certain religious symbols and have given rise to many legends.
Passiflora Caerulea care
Passiflora Caerulea plants love places with indirect light and moderate temperatures. It is essential to avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight, which can damage the delicate leaves. The soil must be well-drained and rich in nutrients.
This plant prefers moist but not saturated soil. Water the plant only when the upper layer of the soil dries. And, since Passiflora Caerulea is a liana, give it support to allow it to grow vertically. This is essential to prevent twisting and breaking of branches.
Passiflora Caerulea taste
Passiflora Caerulea flowers have a delicate and fragrant taste, with subtle sweet and citrus notes.
These properties make the plant popular for those who appreciate delicate aromas.
Passiflora Caerulea fruit
Passiflora Caerulea produces fruits called maracuja or passion fruit.
They have thick skins and an inner content rich in seeds, which are used in various culinary recipes and drinks.
Passiflora Caerulea benefits
- Calming effects
Passiflora Caerulea is known for its calming and relaxing properties, being often used to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory effect
The compounds of Passiflora Caerulea have a great anti-inflammatory potential, contributing to reducing inflammation in the body.
- Get rid of insomnia
Consuming Passiflora Caerulea tea or extract can contribute to improving the quality of sleep and reducing insomnia.
Passiflora Caerulea medicinal use
Passiflora Caerulea has a long history of use in traditional medicine, being often used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders and digestive problems. Extracts from this plant are often included in food supplements and natural products designed to ensure a state of well-being.
Passiflora Caerulea tea
A cup of Passiflora Caerulea tea is all you need to reduce stress throughout the day. Add a spoonful of dried leaves or flowers to a cup to prepare it, then pour hot water over the dried herbs. Cover the cup and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes.
Passiflora Caerulea vine
Passiflora Caerulea can also be grown as an ornamental vine, bringing a touch of exoticism to gardens and landscapes. The beauty of the flowers and fruits attracts the eyes, and the possibility of admiring this wonderful plant and reaping its benefits is an additional reason to integrate it into your garden.
Passiflora Caerulea for sale
If you are attracted by the beauty and benefits of this plant, you can purchase it yourself, buying seeds or even sprouted plants from acquaintances or specialty stores.
Passiflora Caerulea vs Incarnate
Also known as the blue passion flower, Passiflora Caerulea has larger flowers and is more resistant to cold temperatures than other species.
Passiflora Incarnata is a plant known as the violet or purple passion flower. It has smaller flowers and is appreciated for its soothing and relaxing effects.
The flower of passion, a symphony in colors
Passion flower, also known as Passiflora, is an amazing plant known for its distinctive beauty and beneficial properties. If it is among your favorites, we invite you to read the lines below because you will find out important information about it.
Passion flower is an exotic plant native to South and Central America. Known for its exotic fruit and spectacular flowers, this is popular in gardens and residential landscaping.
The flowers have a unique shape, with petals and sepals in a distinct arrangement, suggesting religious symbols and mythological stories.
The plant also produces large and colorful fruits, called maracuja or passion fruit, which are valued for their delicious aroma and special healing effects.
How to plant Passion Flower seeds?
The passion flower grows very well in places where sunlight falls directly, but also in semi-shade. Make sure you choose a well-drained place and protected from strong winds if you choose to plant it in your flower garden.
The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-drained. Add compost or humus to improve its fertility. The seeds can be planted directly in the soil or they can be started in pots and then transplanted. Plant the seeds at the depth recommended on the envelopes or as told to you by the horticulture specialist you contacted, covering them lightly with soil.
It must be moist, but not excessively wet. Once the plants start growing, make sure they have enough space between them to develop properly.
How to grow Passion Flower
Appropriate: Passionflower needs regular watering, but make sure the soil dries out between watering to avoid problems with excess moisture.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to stimulate healthy growth.
Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, which can promote the development of leaves at the expense of flowers.
Also, cut dry or diseased branches to stimulate growth and maintain the shape of the plant. Since the plant can get quite large, be prepared with supports for vertical growth.
This is an important measure to prevent the branches from breaking.
Passion Flower frequent Issues
Aphids and lice can be a problem for this flower. Use natural insecticides or wash the plant with water to eliminate unwanted insects.
Mold and fungi can appear, especially in high humidity conditions. To prevent and treat these problems, ensure the plant has enough ventilation and use natural fungicides.
Soil that is too wet can lead to root rotting, so keep it well drained so that the plant has adequate ventilation.
Passion flower extract and tea
Passionflower extract is often used for its calming and relaxing properties. It has the ability to reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep.
On the other hand, passion flower tea is appreciated for its delicate taste and for its health benefits. It is often consumed to reduce anxiety and for a good functioning state.
General benefits of Passion Caerulea
- Stress reduction
Regular tea or passion flower extract consumption can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Better sleep
Due to its relaxing properties, passion flowers can contribute to improving the quality of sleep.
- Strengthening the immune system
Some studies have highlighted the fact that passion flower can have beneficial effects on strengthening the immune system due to its high content of antioxidants.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the material, there are many positive effects that Passiflora blue passion flower brings to our health. In short, we will present them to you.
- It reduces anxiety
It is, perhaps, the most well-known effect that this plant has. Its consumption in the form of tea, capsules, tablets, tinctures and many other forms is recommended for those who frequently suffer from anxiety and insomnia.
Its calming effect is very fast, and if you know you have problems sleeping, drink a Passiflora flower tea before going to bed and you will feel the difference.
In the morning you will wake up in a much better mood and rested, which is downright fantastic!
Cultivated for medicine, but also as an ornamental shrub
Currently, those who cultivate Passiflora Caerulea blue passion flower do so with a double purpose in mind: the medicinal one, but also the one related to the beauty of the plant. Its flowers are incredibly beautiful and make any horticulturist proud.
A flower considered a true symbol
As I said above, there is a real symbolism related to Passiflora Caerulea blue passion flower. The ten petals of the passion flower represent the 10 ten apostles of the Savior, apart from Peter – the one who denied being part of his disciples and Judas – the traitor.
Instead, the five stamens that Passiflora Caerulea has come to remind us of the five stigmas, while the edge of the flower reminds us of the crown of thorns.
However, whether you agree or not with these deeply Christian symbols, you must admit that the passion flower is one of the most beautiful.
The fruit, delicious and with a tropical aroma
The passion flower is recognized all over the world for its fruit, which is so delicious that you can’t help but adore it. It’s as if a whole aroma and explosion penetrate your whole body and, for a few moments, you feel like you’re somewhere in the tropics, on an island close to the ocean.
At least once in your life it is worth tasting a Passion Flower fruit, and then you will surely not be able to give it up. Fresh or in tasty cakes, it will give them that “something” that will make them simply irresistible
It improves gastrointestinal disorders
So far, not many studies have been done in this regard, but those that have been carried out so far have demonstrated that this flower has positive effects on the stomach lining.
In fact, food supplements that contain it are recommended for those who complain of the unpleasantness of colitis and gastritis. It is also of great help in irritable colon syndrome, being able to calm the spasms felt in the intestinal tract.
Passiflora Caerulea Soothes headaches
Do you frequently suffer from excruciating headaches that do not give you peace?
Before you rush back to the medicine cabinet, try drinking some Passiflora flower tea. You might be pleasantly surprised to see that you got rid of these unpleasantness, much faster than you expected.
The fruit, indicated in allergic asthma
Apart from the fact that it is simply delicious, a passion fruit is indicated as an adjuvant in allergic asthma. Moreover, its anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory effect has been demonstrated by numerous medical studies carried out for this purpose.
We all know the negative effects that some foods has on human health.
We don’t repeat them either. That is why it is important to be with these people who are trying to get out of their mirage, and this means not only the necessary psychological support, but also offering supplements, teas or other products that make their withdrawal a little more bearable.
Among the plants recommended in this case is the passion flower, which, although it is not recognized as a strong sedative, has its well-deserved role on this list.
Calms muscle tension
You take care of your health, so you started to change your eating style and do more physical exercise. Not a few times after you come from the gym you feel very sore muscles and you almost want to give up because of the discomfort you feel.
Forget this thought!
With just a cup of tea from this plant or a natural tablet that has it in its composition, you feel how muscle tension is relieved almost immediately.
It makes you lose weight
But not only passion flower tea is helpful in your fight against extra pounds. The small passion flower fruit contributes a lot to speeding up the weight loss process.
The explanation is really simple: apart from the high content of vitamins and minerals that the body needs, it is a good source of natural fibers.
They are recognized for the fact that they help with detoxification, clean the intestines of accumulated toxins and favor the development of good bacteria for the body. Eat regularly at least one passion flower fruit a day and you will notice how your bones become stronger, the vitamin C content helps you have a healthy heart, and the vitamin A makes your skin beautiful and full of radiance.
Used in the cosmetic industry
The banal Passiflora Caerulea plant is also widely used in the cosmetic industry, being a basic ingredient included in the composition of many creams and lotions with an anti-aging effect. Most often we find it in skin care creams, but also in lip and body products.
Types of Passiflora
Passiflora, one of the most loved vine species
The genus Passiflora, better known as the passion flower, is a family of liana plants that fascinates gardeners and botany lovers all over the world. In the lines below, we will briefly talk about some of the most interesting and distinct types of Passiflora, bringing to the fore varieties that you may not know.
Passiflora Charlottesville
Passiflora Charlottesville is a species that combines the elegance of vivid colors with complex botanical symbols. This variety adapts perfectly to the specific climate of the city of Charlottesville, from which it derives its name, and adds a distinct charm to local gardens.
Passiflora Lutea
Passiflora Lutea, also known as the yellow passion flower, stands out for its yellow shades. This species is appreciated for its attractive leaves and delicate flowers, offering a touch of light and joy in green spaces.
Passiflora Maypop
Passiflora Maypop is a species native to the southern United States. Characterized by delicious fruits and fabulous flowers, this variety is loved for its adaptability to the warm climate and for its contribution to the local biodiversity.
Passiflora Quadrangularis
Passiflora Quadrangularis is one of the largest species of passion flower, presenting square stems and large flowers. Originally from South America, this variety stands out for its impressive fruits, often called “Granadilla”, which taste sweet and exotic.
Passiflora Colinvauxii
Passiflora Colinvauxii is a species of passion flower whose name was given after that of the American researcher and botanist Paul Colinvaux. The beauty of its flowers makes it among the favorites of most who love this species.
Passiflora Suberosa
Passiflora Suberosa, also known as the thin passion flower, attracts the admiring glances of those around with its thin leaves and delicate flowers.
Passiflora Alata
Passiflora Alata, or the winged passion flower, is notable for the butterfly-like appearance of its fruits.
Passiflora Foetida
Passiflora Foetida, also called the fetid passion flower, stands out for its strange appearance and the characteristic smell of its leaves.
Passiflora Mollissima
Passiflora Mollissima, or fluffy passion flower, impresses with the fluffy texture of its leaves and petals.
Passiflora Trifasciata
Passiflora Trifasciata, also known as the passion flower with three lines, surprises the viewer with its distinctive play of colors and lines.
Passiflora Incense
Passiflora Incense, or the perfumed passion flower, is appreciated for its distinctive and pleasant aroma.
Passiflora Vitifolia
Passiflora Vitifolia, also known as passion flower with vine leaves, impresses by the similarity of its leaves with those of the vine.
Passiflora Subpeltata
Passiflora Subpeltata stands out for its subtle and elegant details, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the garden where it is grown.
Certainly, the Passiflora genus is not one to go unnoticed because it brings to flower gardens an amazing variety of shapes, colors, and aromas.
From Passiflora Charlottesville to Passiflora Subpeltata, each species has its charm. The discovery and care of these types of Passiflora bring joy and satisfaction to both plant lovers and those who love the beauty that nature surrounds us with.
Frequently asked questions
- Can passion flower grow indoors?
Yes, passionflowers can also grow indoors, but they need to be planted in fairly spacious containers to develop harmoniously and beautifully. Compared to those planted outdoors and indoors, they need additional feeding and watering to stay healthy.
- Are passion flowers easy to care for?
Yes, for passionflower lovers, they are easy to care for. It is essential to have a roomy pot and an available place near a window with intense light. Plant your passionflowers in rich, nutritious soil and keep them evenly moist.
- How fast do passion flowers grow?
Once passionflowers have been established in pots or planted outside, they grow extremely quickly if properly cared for. Although some people consider them difficult to raise, things are different for those who care for them with love.
- How does Passiflora make you feel?
According to scientific research, passionflowers work by increasing brain levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) helps you relax by decreasing the activity of some brain cells.
- Is passion flower a strong sedative?
Yes, according to many clinical studies, passionflower has anxiety-calming effects and is one of the most used sedative plants today.
- Is Passiflora Caerula good for sleep?
Yes, passionflower is good for sleep. Many researches have shown that this plant is promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety and sleep problems, used in the form of herbal tea.
- What part of the passion flower plant is edible?
Regarding the Passiflora plant, following the information found online, we can say that there are more than 500 species in the Passiflora genus, but not all of them are edible; most of them are bearers, and some are used as ornamental plants. However, we can use the leaves, flowers and stem for those that are edible. The leaves can be used either raw or cooked. These can be used in salads, curries, soups, but also for medicinal purposes as calming tea because they contain alkaloids, and alkaloids have a calming and soothing effect.
- Does passion flower reduce cortisol?
Yes, researchers have shown that this passion flower reduces the level of excess cortisol. Today it is used as a medicine for different actions, often in the form of herbal tea, but also in several herbal preparations, being combined with other agents, such as lavender, hops or valerian.
- Does passion flower affect blood pressure?
Yes, research shows that different parts of the passion flower are effective against high blood pressure. It is recommended that people consult their doctor before using this supplement.
- Does Passiflora come back every year?
Yes, Passiflora returns every year, this plant, its perennial vine, is adapted to most gardens in the USA, blooming from mid-summer until frost.
- Is Blue Passion Fruit Edible?
Blue Passion Fruit can be edible, but it must be very well-ripe. If it is not cooked well, it can cause digestive problems, nausea and vomiting, due to the content of cyanogenic glycosides that turn into cyanide when consumed.
Remember that the other parts of the plant, which are toxic and bitter, are not recommended for human consumption, so be careful with Blue Passion.
- What does blue passionflower fruit taste like?
Although the blue passionflower fruit is edible, it does not taste very pleasant when eaten raw. We can say that it has a vague aroma, reminiscent of blackberries and may contain traces of toxins.
- Can you eat passion fruit from Passiflora Caerulea?
Yes, you can eat passion fruit from Passiflora Caerulea, but with the mention that the pulp of this fruit also contains toxins, called cyanogenic glycoside, which can cause cyanide poisoning in large quantities.
- Can you eat fruit from Passiflora Incarnata?
Yes, fruit from Passiflora Incarnata is edible and has a more pleasant taste than other species of Passiflora. The fleshy, oval fruit, the size of a dog’s egg, is called maypop and turns yellow-orange when ripe.
The fruits of Passiflora Incarnata are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C and essential fatty acids that offer many benefits for the scalp, hair and skin. They are also used as ingredients for teas, marmalades, drinks or ice cream.
- How do you control passion flower vines?
To control the passion flower, it must be fertilized under the right conditions. It is recommended that you start removing dead or damaged shoots so that the remaining stems fit the available space and form a fan-shaped frame.
- Where is the best place to plant a passion flower?
The best place to plant passion flowers is moist soil in a sunny spot sheltered by a warm, protected wall or trellis. Although this plant can also be grown in a pot, it develops much better if it is planted in the spring outdoors.
- How do you plant seeds from passion flower?
It is recommended to soak the passion fruit seeds in water or even passion fruit juice before planting them. This soaking in water or juice helps the germination process, which can last between 21-84 days at a soil temperature of 20-30°C. After they have germinated and the buds have grown large enough, they can be planted in the garden. You must have moist soil, never too dry or too wet.
- Why won’t my passion flower bloom?
The reasons for the lack of flowering include the light, the age of the plants, the nutrients, the temperatures, but also improper cutting. The most common cause of the lack of flowers is too little potassium and too much nitrogen. Our recommendation is to check your light source daily, but also the watering. You must remember that passion flower only lasts for one day.
- How many cups of passion flower tea can I drink?
Following the studies, it was found that the daily dose for passion flower tea is 2 grams of dried passion flower leaves soaked in hot water, and for other liquids in which it is used, the doses usually vary between 30 and 60 drops diluted in water per day. Also, you have to consider that this plant must be consumed as tea for 7 nights and as a medicine for up to 8 weeks. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not recommended to consume passion flowers.
- Is Passiflora Incarnata rare?
Passiflora Incarnata is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant, but it needs a space with natural light and slightly moist soil. In the USA, the United States Department of Agriculture mentions that it can be considered a weed and its removal is recommended. We can conclude that Passiflora Incarnata is not an endangered species, but it is rare from the point of view of the area where it is found.
- Is Passiflora tea safe?
Passiflora tea is generally considered safe and non-toxic in the recommended doses. However, if the recommended doses are exceeded for more than 2 months, adverse reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion may occur.
- Is Blue Passion Flower medicinal?
Yes, the Blue passion flower has been used since ancient times as a medicinal plant to treat anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, or hysteria.
- Is Passiflora incarnata the same as passion fruit?
Yes, Passiflora incarnata can be the same as passion fruit, as it produces delicious edible fruits that are the same size.