How to prune passion flowers

Passion flowers (Passiflora) are vigorous, evergreen climbers that don't like to be pruned too hard. Flowering on new growth, concentrate on removing old stems to get the best display. For tips on how to train your climber into an attractive fan-shaped framework, read our horticultural team's helpful guide.

Browse our collection of passion flowers for more inspiration.

When to prune passion flowers

This fast-growing variety is ideal in a conservatory or orangery
Image: Passiflora edulis 'Frederick' from Thompson & Morgan

Passion flowers don’t like to be pruned too hard, too often, as it weakens the plant. Give your plants a light prune at the end of the summer once they’ve finished flowering or, if they require some renovation, a harder prune during early spring is the way to go. Flowers form on new growth, so it’s the old growth you need to focus on removing. If you plan to prune during the spring, bear in mind that you probably won’t get as many flowers that summer.

As your plant grows, you’ll get the best results by training it against a wall, fence, trellis or obelisk. Passion flowers use tendrils to climb and so are self-clinging. To train your plant in the direction you want it to grow, simply tie in the loose stems to secure them.

How to prune your passion flowers

Train your passion flower into a neat fan and trim back to its framework each year
Image: Passiflora caerulea from Thompson & Morgan

To prune your passion flower, start by removing any dead or damaged shoots.
Reduce the remaining stems to fit the growth to the available space, forming a fan-shaped framework that should be tied in to its supports with soft ties.
After flowering, cut back any flowered shoots to two buds away from the previous year's framework of stems.
Try not to prune any harder than this - hard pruning may forfeit any flowers in the following year.
If your passion flower gets frost damage, when spring arrives, try cutting the stems back to around a height of 30cm, just above a good bud. With luck, this will stimulate new green shoots to appear.

If you've enjoyed this article, find plenty more climbing plants resources and expert growing guides over on our hub page to help you add vertical interest to your garden.