With wildly intricate, lavender-purple flowers that look almost otherworldly, Purple Passionflower is a true conversation starter in the garden. It’s a vigorous vine reaching 10–20 feet, blooming from midsummer to fall with fragrant, complex blossoms.

Thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating drought once established. Give it room to climb or sprawl, and prune back in spring to control its enthusiastic growth.

Spreads by root suckers and can travel if not managed—best grown on trellises, fences, or arbors where its flowers can be fully admired. Its tropical look contrasts beautifully with native prairie or woodland companions.

Native to the southeastern and south-central U.S., found in open fields, woodland edges, and roadsides. Especially common in sandy or disturbed soils.

Foliage emerges in late spring with tendrils that seek support, followed by stunning flowers from July to September. Fruits ripen to yellow and then brown in fall, and likely die back to the ground in New York zones.

A host plant for Gulf fritillary, zebra longwing, and variegated fritillary butterflies. Its flowers offer nectar to pollinators, and the edible fruits (maypops) are eaten by wildlife and humans alike.