• Passion flowerpassion flower image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  The almost unreal appearance of the passion flower vine has to be seen to be believed. This vine is tropical and, given the right circumstances, will grow like a weed. With large green leaves, amazing kaleidoscope colors and fancy lash-like pinwheels adorning the center of many varieties, this plant is a must for the garden. But this beauty requires proper care and lighting in order to be shown to advantage.
  
  

Origin

• The passion flower vine originated in densely forested tropical areas of South America. Because of these circumstances, the passion flower has developed a strong ability to utilize low light levels. The vine's leaves are broad and grow in a sideways fashion, creating a net-like configuration that allows the plant maximum exposure to light.
  
  

Light Requirements

• The passion flower vine grows best when exposed to full-sun or partial-sun conditions. The vine's evolved ability to gain sunlight in darker areas benefits the plant when light levels are less than adequate.
  
  

Effects

• The passion flower vine flowers more with increased access to light. When grown in very bright light, leaves alter their structure, becoming smaller, thicker and, in the brightest light, turn a purplish shade. When grown in a shadier setting, leaves are larger, greener and thinner.