Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is the native North American passionflower — reliably hardy to Zone 6, something the tropical species are not. The intricate, alien-looking flowers with their corona of filaments in purple and white are among the most structurally complex of any hardy plant. They bloom throughout summer, followed by edible egg-shaped fruits. Butterflies — particularly Gulf fritillary — use it as a host plant.
Passionflower spreads vigorously by underground runners and can colonise a large area; give it a strong structure to climb and expect to manage the spread. The flowers are too exotic and brief for practical cutting, but the plant earns its place as a native wildlife plant with extraordinary summer interest.
Fusarium wilt
Sudden wilting, brown streaks in stems, yellowing leaves. Affects sweet basil varieties most.
No cure. Remove and destroy plants. Do not replant in the same spot for 3+ years. Choose resistant varieties.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.
Mosaic virus
Yellowing, mottled, or distorted leaves. No cure — spread by aphids.
Remove and destroy infected plants. Control aphid populations to prevent spread. Do not propagate from infected tubers.
Spider Mites
Tetranychus urticae →Fine stippling or bronzing on leaves, faint webbing on undersides, foliage drying out during hot, dry weather.
Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days as needed.