what to do with young passiflora?

[marialittlebzz]

I have this passion flower grown from seed which is just 2m high, no flower, looking quite weak ( small leaves), and grown in pot.
As the weather goes colder I was wondering what shall I do now ? shall I prune it before the first frost, shall I leave it as it is ?
Also, is it better to keep it inside for the winter?
I thought maybe I should have it inside in a sunny spot by the window for it to become a bit stronger...It was so hard to get it settled,t I am scared that it might just die with the first cold night !
what do you think?

[vicky]

Passionflower, I normally prune very lightly and only if really needed in the autumn as they can get nipped by the frost as they're slightly tender, so in the spring (april ish) cut down to where you want. However, I probably wouldn't cut down a 2m one by more than 30cm or so.
Normally they should be ok outside in N London, put in a sheltered spot (or an unheated greenhouse), conditions in a house during winter are not great for outdoor plants, you risk lots of sappy growth prone to disease. BUT! If you're worried bring it in overnight if the forecast is v cold. Don't bring it in now to create extra growth as this is certain to get frosted as it would be weak!

[marialittlebzz]

Thanks for your advice Vicky! I think I'm not going to prune it at all... but what about keeping it inside until next spring?
Or shall I just relax and cross fingers...

[Kristen]

I think if its in a pot you should bring it in for the winter - but don't bring it in until the first cold spell - which might not be until the New Year.


If its in the ground I would leave it be, but perhaps be prepared to dig it up if we have a very serious winter. You could wrap it in some dry bracken, or somesuch, to protect it from the winter.

My seedlings, sown this year, are in tubs in the conservatory, and that's where they will stay

[Snadger]

......................... but don't bring it in until the first cold spell - which might not be until the New Year.

I wish!!!!! The way the weather is going in this neck of the woods frost is just around the corner!!!