Introducing the Passiflora 'Cooltropics Snowstar', a stunning, fruit-bearing hybrid that combines hardiness, beauty, and an exotic flair. This remarkable Passiflora incarnata hybrid represents a breakthrough in breeding, offering both resilience and breathtaking visuals. Unlike many other passion flowers that bear edible fruit but require warmer climates, Snowstar thrives in colder conditions and is reliably hardy down to -15°C, making it an ideal choice for UK gardens. Beyond its toughness, Cooltropics Snowstar dazzles with its tropical aesthetic, bringing a lush jungle vibe to even the coolest landscapes. This vigorous grower quickly forms a dense tangle of glossy, three-lobed leaves, setting the stage for an impressive floral display in the height of summer. In July and August, large, spectacular white blooms—up to 9cm in diameter—adorn the plant. These intricate flowers feature a stunning array of long, wavy filaments that emanate from a prominent central stalk, creating a striking visual effect. When pollinated, the flowers give way to aromatic, egg-sized fruits that ripen to a vibrant yellow by September and October. These fruits are not only a visual treat but also a delicious, fragrant addition to your garden bounty. Cooltropics varieties, bred specifically for cooler climates, are selected for early flowering and fruiting, making them perfect for UK gardeners looking for a touch of the exotic. Plant Cooltropics Snowstar in a sunny, sheltered spot—such as against a south or west-facing wall, or on a warm arbour—and watch it thrive. It can also be grown in large containers and trained up supports like obelisks, providing a stunning patio feature. In winter, simply move container-grown plants to a frost-free location to protect them. Keep in mind that these plants are self-infertile, meaning you’ll need at least two for successful pollination and fruiting. Pair Snowstar with Cooltropics Eia Popeia to enjoy a harvest of delicious fruits within the first year. With a potential height of 3.5m (11.5ft) and a spread of up to 1m (3.2ft), this climbing beauty will quickly become a focal point in your garden. Height and spread may vary with the seasons, so expect some variation in the size of the plant when it arrives. Experience the thrill of growing your very own exotic passion fruit, right here in the UK!
Growing Information
Plant Passiflora Cooltropics® plants into any moist, well drained soil. Choose a sunny position that is protected from cold winds in winter. Plants grown in the warmest positions (eg a greenhouse or polytunnel) will start growing earlier and the fruits will ripen better.
Prior to planting, add plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to the soil. When growing passion flower, be sure to provide the twining stems with an appropriate support such as trellis or wires attached to fences and pergolas.
Plants can also be grown in large containers, minimal size 10 litres. Container grown plants will need to be moved into a frost-free position over winter.
Feed and water regularly throughout the growing season. In autumn, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the plant.
In late autumn, simply cut back the above-ground part to 10 cm. Light winter protection, such as a thick mulch, is recommended. In the winter plants will die back to below ground. Plants require warmth and will not reemerge until late spring, around mid to late May.
Plants are self infertile and so two plants are required to pollinate each other and produce fruit.
