Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower)

Purple passionflower, also known as maypop, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems and large, stunning, intricate flowers.  It grows best in full sun to part shade and with medium moisture in well-drained soils. This vine dies back to the ground in the Winter and emerges in May. It is a vigorous (some would say aggressive) vine that blooms in July, August, and September. It attracts butterflies and produces edible fruit, called maypops. in the Fall.  This  vine spreads through underground roots, and you may find it popping up several feet away, but unwelcome volunteers are easily pulled.  Consider planting in a large container to keep it from spreading.  Vines begin bearing fruit after one to two years.

Purple passionflower is one of the hardiest species of passionflower. It is found as a wildflower in the southern U.S. and in cultivation for its fruit and striking bluish purple blooms. It occurs in thickets, disturbed areas, near riverbanks, and on sunny roadsides. The flowers are pollinated by insects such as bumblebees and carpenter bees. It is a host plant for larva of several butterfly species, including the zebra longwing, and the Gulf fritillary. 

Photo by Kathy Thornton