Passiflora x hybrida 'Mission Dolores'
vine

Mission Dolores Passion Flower

Passiflora x hybrida 'Mission Dolores'

The Story

Plant Bio

Passiflora species are vigorous evergreen or deciduous vines that climb using axillary tendrils and are known for their complex, highly structured flowers. Most species require well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and a support structure to facilitate upward growth.

'Mission Dolores' is a rare hybrid of *Passiflora parritae* and *Passiflora antioquiensis* that produces pendulous, seven-inch rose-pink flowers on exceptionally long peduncles. This cultivar is highly specialized for cool, humid coastal climates and will fail in regions with hot summers or freezing winters.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProduces spectacular, large, pendulous rose-pink flowers that hang elegantly from a trellis or arbor.
Practical UsesProvides quick vertical screening and shade on trellises in cool, frost-free coastal microclimates.
Ecological BenefitsAttracts native pollinators and butterflies, serving as a larval host plant for specific butterfly species.
Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

240"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Regular

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site with rich, well-draining soil that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Install a sturdy trellis, wire system, or arbor before planting to support the vigorous climbing tendrils.
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
  4. Water deeply at the base and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Pro Tip

Provide a tall trellis or arbor in a site protected from strong winds, as the heavy, pendulous flowers hang down several inches and require clearance to be fully seen.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging the roots.
  • Provide afternoon shade in warmer microclimates to prevent leaf scorch.
  • Mulch the root zone heavily to protect against temperature fluctuations.

Don't

  • Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as drought stress triggers leaf drop and bud abortion.
  • Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
  • Do not plant in areas exposed to hard winter frosts or hot, dry inland winds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Trellis or ArborCool Coastal GardenCourtyard Specimen

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mission Dolores Passion Flower questions

What zones can Mission Dolores Passion Flower grow in?

Mission Dolores Passion Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mission Dolores Passion Flower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mission Dolores Passion Flower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mission Dolores Passion Flower bloom?

Mission Dolores Passion Flower typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mission Dolores Passion Flower need full sun?

Mission Dolores Passion Flower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Mission Dolores Passion Flower with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.