'Anastasia' Passionflower (Passiflora) – flowering climbing plant – 11 cm pot – 40 cm tall – Set of 2

The 'Anastasia' passionflower (Passiflora) is considered semi-hardy: it can tolerate briefly falling temperatures down to around -5°C, but cannot withstand prolonged severe winters. In regions with mild winters (the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean), a thick layer of mulch around the base is enough to protect it when planted outdoors. In colder areas, it is best to grow it in a pot so that it can be moved into a cold frame or frost-free conservatory by November.

The Passiflora 'Anastasia' begins blooming at the start of l'summer, usually in June, and maintains a continuous floral display until'the first autumn frosts, sometimes until'October in regions with mild winters. Its blooming period is therefore exceptionally long for a climber: several months of large, architecturally striking flowers, blending pink, white, and purple, follow one another in regular waves on the new shoots. The more sunny and warm the exposure, the more abundant the flowers and the more numerous the flower stalks.

When grown in a pot, the 'Anastasia' 'passiflora adapts very well to terrace or balcony cultivation, provided you give it a sufficiently large container, at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter, with effective drainage at the bottom of the pot to prevent water from stagnating. Use a mixture of quality universal potting soil lightened with sand or perlite. Install a trellis, obelisk, or any other sturdy vertical support at the time of planting, as the plant climbs quickly using its tendrils.

Passiflora 'Anastasia' is a vigorous, fast-growing climber, capable of 'reaching several meters in height in favorable conditions. In the ground, in well-drained soil and full sun, it can quickly cover a trellis, pergola, or fence to several meters in height and width within two to three seasons. It 'clings by tenacious tendrils that allow it to climb without support on any mesh or barred structure.

Passiflora 'Anastasia' pairs beautifully with 'other summer-flowering climbers such as jasmine (Jasminum officinale) or large-flowered clematis, which share the same taste for warm, sunny spots. At its feet, Mediterranean perennials such as lavender, ornamental sage or 'agapanthus extend the 'exotic, sun-drenched atmosphere. In a terrace pot, it 'pairs harmoniously with dipladenias or plumbagos in containers, creating a very colourful display all 'summer.

Yes, pruning is beneficial for the 'Anastasia' passionflower: it stimulates the growth of new stems on which flower buds form, as this passionflower flowers on the previous year's wood.' The ideal time to prune is in spring, as soon as the risk of frost has passed and the first leaves appear. Then shorten the previous year's stems by' one-' third to half, depending on the vigor of the plant and the' available space. Always remove any damaged or frost-scorched shoots.

In France, the possibility of leaving the Passiflore 'Anastasia' in the ground all 'year depends directly on the region. On the Atlantic coast, in coastal Brittany, in the Southwest and in the Mediterranean region, mild winters allow it to be left in the ground with a thick mulch of 10 to 15 cm around the crown to protect the roots. In the Centre and l'East of France, where winters can be severe with temperatures below -8 or -10 °C, the risk of loss is real and growing in a pot with wintering in 'shelter is strongly advised.