| I've planted passion vines along a east facing wall of our shady [4-5 hours sun each day] garden. They grow for a few months, then die. I think the problem is in the soil and drainage. I do not water these plants but they do get water from the balcony and hanging plants above [10 minutes/twice a week]. The irrigation system has been of during San Francisco's rainy winter months but vines that were healthy last fall now seem dead. I'm thinking of either re-doing this planting be with half soil/half sand to improve drainage ... or add more potato vines which thrive in our garden. I already have a lot of potato vines though and hate to repeat these again. By the way, I do buy everything at Floorcraft Garden Center, one of your retailers, here in San Francisco. Know I've had much pleasure and success from your plants. Any suggestions? Bill Tripp |
| Passion Flower vines are deciduous in your growing region, meaning they will lose their leaves and be bare in the fall. Even if the vines die all the way to the ground in a freeze, the roots will send up healthy new shoots the following spring. So, what you're witnessing may be natural for your vines. They will grow in full to part sun and prefer moist soils. If you're not deliberately watering them deeply once each week during the spring and summer months, the roots can die. I don't think runoff water from a balcony is quite enough water for your Passion Flower vines. If you intend to amend your soil, dig the roots and cover them so they don't dry out. Then add 4-5 inches of organic matter to your soil by spreading it on top and digging it in to a depth of 8-10 inches. Replant the roots of your Passion Flower vines and then water them well to help settle the soil. When new growth begins in spring, be sure to water the area deeply once each week. This will help your vines grow and perform well for you. Glad you like Monrovia plants! |
