Passiflora, known also as the passion flowers or passion vines, is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants, the namesakes of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly vines, with some being shrubs, and a few species being herbaceous. Several species of Passiflora are cultivated outside their natural range for their beautiful flowers and delicious edible fruit. The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called passiflorina which has similarities to morphine and is said to be an effective tranquilizer. Many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep. The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, anti-hysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil medicinally to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas. Hundreds of hybrids have been named; hybridizing is currently being done extensively for flowers, foliage and fruit. Most species have round or elongated edible fruit from 5cm to 20cm long and 2.5cm to 5cm across, depending upon the species or cultivar. Passiflora will adjust to any kind of soil, except desert conditions or very alkaline soil. Prefers full sun but will do with a light place or even half-shade. Passiflora need abundant watering during the growing season. In winter watering can significantly be reduced but good soil moisture must be maintained.

Passiflora mixta is a robust, woody vine to evergreen climbing shrub commonly found in the Andes in South America from Colombia to Bolivia, where it grows in cloud forests at higher elevations from 1400 to 3800 m. It produces shoots up to 4 meters long. This popular ornamental is grown for its lovely pink to red flowers and edible, roundish, very sweet and tangy fruit that has a pleasant, aromatic flavour. They are eaten fresh and made into juice, alcoholic beverages, marmalade, ice cream and many other treats. Passiflora mixta is well adapted to cool conditions and will grow in many warm temperate climates. Plants require a temperature no lower than around 16°C when they are flowering in order to ensure fruit set. Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade where it can grow up towards the sun. Prefers circumneutral soil, disliking very acid or very alkaline conditions. Passiflora mixta is often grown as an ornamental. Plants are very accepting of pruning and can be cut back to ground level if required to rejuvenate the plant.