Passiflora caerulea ‘Constance Elliott’ – A Pure White Passionflower

The Passiflora caerulea ‘Constance Elliott’ is an elegant and exotic climber, admired for its striking pure white flowers and sweet fragrance. Unlike many passionflowers that feature colourful petals, this variety is celebrated for its simplicity and sophistication. From midsummer through early autumn, it produces large, star-shaped flowers with intricate filaments and a delightful perfume, creating a tropical feel in any garden.

Its glossy green, lobed foliage and vigorous growth make it an excellent choice for covering trellises, walls, pergolas, or fences. In warmer summers, it may also produce small, orange egg-shaped fruits that add another layer of interest. Hardy, reliable, and less vigorous than some other passionflowers, ‘Constance Elliott’ is particularly valued for its manageable growth and year-round appeal.

General Information

Passiflora caerulea is the hardiest of the passionflowers, and the cultivar ‘Constance Elliott’ has been grown in gardens since the 19th century for its unusual white blooms.

• Habit: Vigorous, twining climber with manageable spread.

• Height & spread: Can reach 4–6m tall and wide with support.

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green lobed leaves that provide dense cover.

• Flowers: Star-shaped, pure white blooms with detailed filaments; each flower is around 8–10cm wide.

• Fragrance: Sweetly scented, especially in warm weather.

• Flowering season: July–September, often lasting into early autumn.

• Fruit: Occasionally produces small, orange-yellow fruits in late summer.

• Position: Best in full sun for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade.

• Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral ground.

• Hardiness: One of the hardier passionflowers; generally hardy in southern UK and Ireland, though some protection may be needed in severe frost.

• Uses: Ideal for training up walls, fences, pergolas, or arches; can also be grown in large containers.

Its combination of exotic appearance, fragrance, and adaptability makes it a popular climber for both traditional and modern gardens.

Care Guide

Passiflora caerulea ‘Constance Elliott’ is straightforward to grow, thriving with a little training and seasonal care.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn when soil is workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; allow 2–3m spacing if growing multiples.

• Support: Provide strong trellis, wires, or pergolas for stems to twine around.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost to boost fertility and ensure good drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly in the first year to establish roots.

• Once mature, it tolerates some drought but flowers better with regular watering in dry spells.

• Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potash fertiliser (like tomato feed) to encourage abundant flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems.

• Cut back vigorous side shoots to encourage bushy growth and maintain shape.

• Tie in long stems as they grow, guiding them over supports.

• Light pruning after flowering will keep the plant neat and controlled.

Protection

• Hardy in sheltered sites but protect from severe frost with fleece or mulch around the roots.

• In colder regions, plant against a south- or west-facing wall for warmth and shelter.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, though aphids may occasionally appear on new shoots.

Why Choose Passiflora caerulea ‘Constance Elliott’?

This refined passionflower is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking elegance, fragrance, and manageable growth.

• Elegant flowers: Pure white blooms with exotic detail.

• Fragrance: Sweetly scented flowers enhance summer evenings.

• Seasonal interest: Flowers through summer with occasional fruit in autumn.

• Versatile climber: Perfect for walls, trellises, pergolas, or large containers.

• Hardy and reliable: One of the hardiest passionflower varieties.

The Passiflora caerulea ‘Constance Elliott’ is a timeless and sophisticated passionflower that delivers exotic blooms, fragrance, and year-round greenery. Whether softening a sunny wall, adorning a pergola, or bringing a tropical feel to your patio, it’s a beautiful and rewarding plant that will delight year after year.

• Size
  80-100

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