Passiflora x ‘Amethyst’ JC Raulston Arboretum and the scarlet acorn sits

and the scarlet acorn sits deeper in a turbaned cup

and the plant is notably hardier than the larger Mexican wax mallow

in warmer zones it holds more of its frame

ruffled profusion

Passiflora x ‘Amethyst’ JC Raulston Arboretum and the scarlet acorn sitsPassiflora 'Amethyst' is one of the most rewarding of the ornamental passionflowers, a vigorous hybrid grown for large, jewel toned blooms of glowing red purple. Each flower opens nearly flat, three to four inches across, the petals and sepals reflexing back to set off a short, banded corona and a lifted central column of stamens and styles. The parentage is somewhat uncertain, as with many old garden passionflowers, but the effect is unmistakable: an