I was amazed when I discovered that the three-part pistils of the Passion Bloom lift up when it rains.

My hypothesis is to prevent self-fertilization from splashing pollen. No time to research that today, but I know one of you knows so leave a comment.

Absolutely LOVE this vine.

FLOW

I saw this type of Blue Crown Passion Vine in Volterra, Italy. It was growing on the railing around our hotel. That vine also had orange fruits in it. This is a relative of our native North Catolina Maypop vine.

This Blue Crown hybrid is almost ten years old. This particular plant came up from the roots of the mother vine which broke down the fence with its weight.

This second generation has sturdier support. I love looking off the deck and seeing dozens of these gorgeous blooms.

This is my absolute favorite flower in terms of structure. The colors are vivid and the pistil parts actually move up or down depending on conditions.

Every spring I sit above it in a chair and watch it pollinator visitors.

FLOW

This ‘Blue Crown’ hybrid Passion vine has surprised me again.

First surprise was that it survived the winter outside.

I actually noticed it growing during the warm patches.

Second surprise was that the blooms move the female parts up or down depending on some unknown reason. I am hoping GEORGE will eventually explain this.

Third, the vine has started producing lovely orange fruits for the first time ever.

My fourth surprise occurred when I opened a “pop” to discover…

RED SEEDS?

Who knew? (Probably you.)

All this from just one plant.

I know…I am easily entertained.

FLOW