A vigorous climber with exotic flair, the Granadilla rewards Cape Town gardeners with fragrant white-and-purple flowers in late spring (October-November), followed by delicious purple fruits ripening from mid-summer into autumn (January-April). Ideal for trellises, fences, and pergolas, this plant not only produces mouthwatering fruit but also creates a lush, tropical screen. Thriving in full sun to semi-shade, it’s a fast grower that brings both beauty and bounty to your garden. A true taste of the tropics, right at home in the Cape.
Plant your Granadilla in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while fruit is forming. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer to encourage flowering and fruiting. Train the vine along a trellis or fence, pruning lightly to control growth and improve airflow. Protect young plants from frost, as they prefer Cape Town’s mild coastal climate.
Granadillas belong to the passionfruit family, and their name comes from the Spanish word granada (pomegranate) because of the fruit’s resemblance. In South Africa, they’re a favorite for making refreshing cordials and the flowers are so striking that they were once used as symbols in religious art to represent “passion.”
| Botanical Name | Passiflora Edulis |
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Growth Expectancy
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5m H
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Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | No |
| Indigenous | No |
