Vitalia Voice | June 2014

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VITALIA

VOICE June 2014 | www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com


birthdays

Vitalia Information hours of operation

Michael Waninger Steven Knoll Robert Landesmann Leonard Koch Nancy Kostyo Sandra Greenberg Barbara Ifflander/Mckernan John Dominski Margaret Greenberg Linda Steil Kathie Sullivan/Previllle Dan Zivko Joan Dicola Vincent Ingoglia Jeff Rothschild Rose Ramondetta Lowel Sisson Paul Wade Ronald Ruel Joann Leone Robert Goldman Kathryn Landesmann Walter Tarpley William (Bill) Dawson David Honig James Swint Bob Breier Gordon Mccord Barbara Parker Wendy Hoge Willie Perry Joseph Beltran Fred Gartner Tony Reagan Bob Wilson Charles Wotruba Patti Mcrae Barbara Kaplan

Vitalia Lifestyle

Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

Amenity Center

Daily 5am-10pm Daily Sunrise-Sunset

Pool Hours

phone list AAM Customer Service

For ALL Club & HOA Matters

866-516-7424 csr@aamfl.com

AAM After Hours Emergency

866-553-8290

AV Homes Customer Care

800-858-5933

VitaliaHomes.com/owner-care HOA Compliance Department Architectural

863-427-7022

Violations

863-427-7032

Fax

863-427-7093

Vitalia Lifestyle

772-345-4921

Driver’s License Department

772-337-5600

Florida Power and Light

772-462-0555

Home Town Cable Plus

772-345-6000

Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

772-461-4000

NUI City Gas

772-871-2551

Port St. Lucie Police Dept.

772-871-5000

Port St. Lucie Utilities

772-873-6400

(Emergency After Hours)

Port St. Lucie Utilities

772-871-5330

(Set Up)

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

Port St. Lucie County

Medical Center

772-335-4000

Recycle

772-462-5678

Sheriff

772-462-7300

Port St. Lucie Fire Department

772-621-3400

Port St. Lucie West Library

772-873-3309

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anniversaries Jeffrey & Barbara Deighan Lee & Nicki Storey James & Patricia Donnelly Mike & Beverly Kirkpatrick Wayne & Sherry Carson Robert & Darci Nelson Eliot & Margaret Greenberg Ronald & Barbara Ruel Leonard & Carol Koch Bob & Sandi Breier Joseph & Helene Paiva Geof & Wendy Hoge Robert & Pamela Tropp Robert & Jacqueline Feltner Robert & Diane Budinsky Alexander & Marilynn Nikolauk Steve & Cecily Sommer Bill & Bonnie Brody Steve & Arlen Cohen Thomas & Sue Serian Bill & Diana Coutts Steve & Gloria Rentowitz Daniel & Joyce Scola Steve & Jackie Olster Martin & Susan Alterman Keith & Donna Mosberger

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department news By David Smith, Division President of AV Homes, Inc.

Another great Vitalia event down in the books! Last month’s resident pre-summer bash at the Clubhouse during Vitalia’s Memorial Day Celebration came just at the right time! The Red, White, Blue, You, and BBQ event was a community hit with a live DJ and on-site grilling. There was no lack of patriotism here with residents decked out in their best renditions of red, white, and blue. From the entertainment to the wonderful company, this was an all around great event spent amongst friends and neighbors making it a Memorial Day to remember. As the grand opening of the new Clubhouse nears with each passing day, I’m positive we are all brimming with excitement! From amazing indoor amenities like fitness and aerobics centers to outdoor activities like pickleball, bocce, and tennis courts, this 24,000-square-foot lakefront center is

sure to be everything you imagined and more. Not to mention full-time, on-site activities directors and fitness instructors to make the most out of the community you call home. Hot-off-the-press! If you haven’t heard, Vitalia model homes stole the show during this year’s Treasure Coast Parade of Homes. Each of our amazing models received awards with the Amelia receiving the highest recognition, the Grand Award. The Space Coast followed as a Platinum Award Winner and the Lauderdale as a Gold Winner. Let's give a round of applause for our collection of award winning model homes! Vitalia at Tradition is on the move. I’m extremely excited about the future of this amazing community and I can confidently say, the best is yet to come! David Smith 863-427-7000

Welcome to the Neighborhood! Steve & Linda Krac Tom & Billie Dentino Richard & Nancy Galeta James & Joan Dicola Steve & Faith Kamins Norman & Marilyn Perry

Ralph & Christina King Joseph & Nancy Delach Dorene Erb James & Nancy Roberts Marshall & Margie Rosenthal June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   3


department news

Vitalia's New Lifestyles Director

Jannell McDonald Community Manager 321-332-1871 jmcdonald@aamfl.com

With the upcoming opening of our new amenity center, you will begin to see new faces. One of these new faces is Jennifer Rodriguez, the new Lifestyles Director. Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer. She has been transitioning from her previous position with AAM and has popped in to help with a few of our events and to get to know the community before moving down to Port St. Lucie to start her new role. I have asked her to share a little about herself so you can get to know her as well: I was born in Los Angeles California and I am 1 of 8 children. My family moved to Port St. Lucie in 1992, where I spent a majority of my childhood and youth. I look back and remember all the great times I had, from ice skating, youth dances, and just enjoying my lifestyle. I was blessed to have great friends; even after moving 13 years later, I am still very close to them. In 2002 my family moved to Poinciana, Florida, where I graduated from Poinciana High School. After that I did a little of everything, from teaching Sunday school, pet sitting, working in an animal clinic, and then going on to graduate as a massage therapist, and pursued that career for three years. On April 30, 2011, I was blessed to marry the love of my life and we are proud parents of a 4 legged toddler who loves to bark and get into trouble. Again, I was blessed when I was hired to work as a Lifestyles Specialist for AAM at an active adult community called Solivita in Poinciana, Florida. Some of my responsibilities included planning, organizing, budgeting for and implementing community events, scheduling room reservations, and working closely with our clubs and residents. That is where I realized how a job could actually be fun.

4   Vitalia Voice | June 2014

This opportunity has made me admit that my mom was right. When you strive hard in your life to fulfil your dreams and goals, those dreams and goals can come true! I look forward to moving back to Port St. Lucie and being your new Lifestyles Director. I know with the support of the great residents at Vitalia we will have a lot of fun planning exciting community events.

Jennifer Rodriguez Please join me in welcoming Jennifer to the Vitalia Family! You can contact Jennifer by email at jerodriguez@aamfl.com or by calling the Lifestyles Office. She will officially become part of the Vitalia Family on Monday, June 2nd. On another note, on April 4th the First Amendment of the Declaration of Vitalia at Tradition was approved by the Board. The following is an excerpt of this document: 4. Pets and Animals. Section 13.28. of the Declaration is amended to add the following section and language: "13.28.6. Commencing on the date of the recordation of this First Amendment, Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are considered dangerous breeds and are prohibited by the Association and in Vitalia. Association may prohibit other breeds of dogs that the Board considers dangerous in its sole discretion."


June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   5


news board

Vitalia Social Committee

Our lifestyles are changing! In next to no time the social hub of our Vitalia community will be realized with the opening of our much anticipated Clubhouse. The Social Committee is excited about this significant occasion and the opportunities that the new facility will offer our community to grow in friendship and camaraderie! Along with our new Lifestyles Director, Jennifer Rodriguez, the Social Committee looks forward to creating enjoyable and entertaining events for Vitalia residents. Dances, concerts, and parties will become an even larger part of our lifestyle once we are in the new Clubhouse. The Social Committee would like to thank the great Vitalia volunteers that got involved and helped with the Memorial Day Celebration. Each of you helped make the day a terrific one. The July 4th party plans are well underway. The Clubhouse waits! The band is set! The food is ordered! You are invited! Come along and be prepared to sing, dance, eat, and enjoy! This will be the Social Committee’s first big event in the new Clubhouse! Mark your calendars now to celebrate this fun-filled July 4th party!

Newsletter Deadlines Newsletter and calendar submissions should be emailed to dchisholm@aamfl.com.

July Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, June 2nd by 3pm.

August Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, June 30th by 3pm.

September Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Friday, August 1st by 3pm.

6   Vitalia Voice | June 2014

Sentiments from Your Neighbor Helen and I wish to thank all of our friends and neighbors at Vitalia for the strong support helping me recover from my surgery. Your visits and thoughtful response is gratefully appreciated. All our love to all of you. - Walter and Helen Silvesky


out & about Lifestyles Juliets The Juliets won't be meeting in June. Happy Summer!

Romeos Friday, June 6th | 12:30pm Bonefish Mac's, 562 SE Becker Rd., Port St. Lucie

Join the gentlemen of Vitalia in a neighborly lunch. Contact Rick Dixon at 772-345-3147 to RSVP. Romeos for July will be moved from the first Friday to the second Friday, July 11th because of our 4th of July celebration. It will be at PA BBQ Grill on Peacock at 12:30pm.

Bunco Sunday, June 8th | 7pm Clubhouse

Come join the Bunco Club for a fun and energetic dice game. Are you unsure of how to play bunco? No worries, the group will be more than happy to teach you how to play. RSVP to the Lifestyles Office.

Trivia Saturday, June 21st | 7pm Clubhouse

Join your friends and neighbors for a friendly game of trivia. Test your knowledge of a variety of categories. This is Vitalia’s most popular event so RSVP to the Lifestyles Office no earlier than 8am on Monday, June 2nd.

Bingo Sunday, June 29th | 7pm Clubhouse

Where can you go on a Sunday night for a couple of hours of fun with your neighbors? Bingo. RSVP to the Lifestyles Office.

4th of July Pool Party Friday, July 4th | Doors Open at 6pm, Band at 6:30pm New Clubhouse

Lifestyles and the Social Committee would like you to join us for an explosive good time! The night will be filled with music from one of the most popular tribute bands in the world, The Landsharks, who will play two tribute shows: Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys. There will be a tropical themed buffet and this event is BYOB. Vitalia skies will be brightly shining in all colors with our first ever fireworks display! Fireworks will set off in an open field behind the NEW Clubhouse and by the lake at 9pm. The event will be in our NEW Ballroom and also extend out to the pool deck

area. $25 per person. RESIDENTS ONLY. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 2nd at the Clubhouse from 9am-1pm.

The Shindigs Show Friday, July 25th | Doors Open at 6:30pm, Show at 7pm New Clubhouse

Come join the Lifestyles team for the GROOVIEST music of the '60s. Florida's most sought after tribute band, The Shindigs, generate energy and excitement everywhere they go. They perform a celebration of classic songs, Doo Wop, Disco, and of course Rock n' Roll. Adult guest are welcome. $10 per resident and $20 per guest.

New Lifestyles Events Ticket Sale Information As of May 6th we started something new - we sold tickets for our Memorial Day BBQ. It turned out great so we would like to continue for our very first event in our new Ballroom, the 4th of July Pool Party and for The Shindigs Show scheduled on July 25th. If you would like to attend, you will need to purchase a ticket. The main ticket sale will be the first business day of the month from 9am-1pm at the Clubhouse. If you would like to attend the 4th of July Pool Party and The Shindigs Show, stop by the Clubhouse on Monday, June 2nd from 9am-1pm. Afterwards, tickets will be sold at the Clubhouse Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm. You can pay by check made payable to Vitalia HOA or exact cash amount only. The first month a Lifestyles event goes on sale, tickets are for residents only (unless otherwise specified). After this, if the event is not sold out, adult guests are welcome and residents can purchase any remaining tickets. Tickets can be returned no less than 5 days prior to the event.

Lifestyles Events Reminder Reservations are required for all Lifestyles events. All RSVPs must be via email to dchisholm@aamfl.com, no earlier than 8am on the first day of each month. This month it will be Monday, June 2nd. This also applies for Trivia reservations.

June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   7


out & about Fitness Classes Current class schedules are posted in the Clubhouse and on the www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com calendar.

Aqua Aerobics/Hydro Pilates M – T – W – Th | 11am Tuesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse

An excellent cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves, and noodles to achieve a very unique workout. Swimming is not required.

Yoga Mondays | 12pm Clubhouse

Yoga is designed to actively improve flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as provide a unique physical experience. This class (for all levels) integrates the practice of yoga with passive stretching techniques. You begin where you are and progress at your own pace with repeated practice.

Zumba Thursdays | 9am Saturdays | 7:45am & 9am Clubhouse

Come be part of one of the most popular classes offered at Vitalia! “Exercise in Disguise.” Zumba is a dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance. It offers a blended balance of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

Aqua Zumba Fridays | 9am Clubhouse

Get your ‘groove on’ as you burn calories with a complete, noimpact workout in the pool. This class is for men and women.

Stretch Fridays | 10am Clubhouse

This class is for all levels, men and women. Lengthen and strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, and allow your body the time to relax and rebuild. Bring a yoga mat to class.

Senior Stretch Fridays | 11:15am (45 minute class) Clubhouse

This class is meant for those who would like to stay healthy and strong, while not having to get on the floor. All exercise is done while sitting or leaning on a chair. 8   Vitalia Voice | June 2014

Classes Mosaic Mondays | 10am Guardhouse

This interesting class involves putting together small pieces of tile, glass, and pebbles to create patterns on a variety of surfaces. Create beautiful items for your home or patio. Projects range from $35-$50. RSVP to the Lifestyles Office, as space is limited.

Silk Painting Wednesdays | 9am Guardhouse

Debbie will be guiding you in creating a one of a kind masterpiece using easy techniques. This surprisingly simple art form has amazingly beautiful results! Projects range from $10-$20. RSVP to the Lifestyles Office.

Spanish Wednesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse

Challenge yourself to a healthier brain! Come learn a second language with your friends and neighbors. The cost is $20 per month. Contact Diana Reese for more information at 321-574-1158 or 772-408-8523. New class will begin in July.

Club / Group Bridge Club Please contact Marian Oshinsky at mobjl@yahoo.com or 772-345-2655 if you are interested in playing bridge.

Mahjong Club Please contact Shelley Deixler at shell842@gmail.com for more information and days/times that the club meets. MALKA'S MAHJONG CORNER ASK THE EXPERT Q: When is it too late to claim a discard? A: The "window of opportunity" opens when a tile is "down," and closes when next player either racks, discards, declares mahjong, or exchanges a joker. If you pick a tile from the wall and are just looking at it and thinking about it, or reaching with it anywhere, another player can still call the live discard, and you have to put your picked tile back on the wall.


out & about Club / Group WEEKLY EVENTS Stickball Sundays | 9am

Meet in the Clubhouse parking lot. This is a great way to spend a morning getting exercise and having fun. PLAY BALL!

Darts Mondays | 7pm

Annual membership dues are $5 per person. Please make checks payable to Vitalia Dart Club. Contact Dave Pachuta at mirage0204@htcplus.net or 772-345-2311.

Men's Golf Mondays

Steve Tuckman is leading this group which meets every Monday afternoon at different area golf courses. If you’d like to join, please contact Steve at tuck61494@gmail.com.

This game is for anyone looking for a little friendly competition. No experience necessary. No RSVP needed.

Hand & Foot Thursdays | 1pm-4pm Clubhouse

We meet every Thursday at the Clubhouse. New players are cordially invited to learn and play.

Pinochle Thursdays | 6pm-9:30pm Clubhouse

Players are welcome to join the Pinochle game on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9:30pm at the Clubhouse.

Men's Water Volleyball Saturdays | 9am Clubhouse Pool

The men of Vitalia will meet at the pool for a friendly game.

MONTHLY EVENTS

Ladies Golf Mondays

The Vitalia Ladies 18 Hole Golf Group plays at various courses throughout St. Lucie County. If you have basic knowledge of the sport and are familiar with golfing etiquette, you are welcome to join. Contact Marianne Martinovic at marianne@htcplus.net.

Bowling Tuesdays | 1:45pm Super Play U.S.A.

Join your Vitalia neighbors for a friendly game of bowling. Informal and fun. No RSVP needed. Just show up and play. All skill levels welcome.

Good News Club - Bible Study Wednesdays | 3pm Guardhouse

We are looking forward to our next study topics. One of which is how we can KNOW that the Bible is the Word of God. We enjoy learning the Truth handed down through millennia to us. For questions, call Geof Hoge at 772-216-7005.

Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe) - Leah Williamson Chapter of Hadassah Tuesday, June 3rd | 10:30am Clubhouse

This meeting will be on the art of decorating with speaker Linda Kerley of Linda C. Kerley Interios. We will have a raffle prize.

Gun Club Thursday, June 5th | 10:30am Clubhouse

This club discusses issues which are important to gun owners. Also, plans are made for an occasional trip to a shooting range. All are welcome; however, no guns or ammunition of any type are allowed in the Clubhouse. Contact Jerry Mastrov at 772-345-0377 for more information.

Book Club Tuesday, June 10th | 9:30am Guardhouse

Co-Ed Water Volleyball

Please join us. We'll be discussing the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The synopsis is below.

Wednesdays and Sundays | 9am Thursdays for Beginners | 3pm Clubhouse Pool

If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   9


out & about Club / Group a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama.

Upcoming Books and Dates • Tuesday, July 8th: The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen • Tuesday, August 12th: Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson • Tuesday, September 9th: The Cairo Affair by Olen Steinhauer

Music Lovers Club Thursday, June 17th | 7pm Clubhouse

Sunshine Club Thursday, June 19th | 10:30am Clubhouse

TO ALL RESIDENTS: The Sunshine Club will be having a question and answer hour. You are welcome to join us and learn about the wonderful reasons for this club. RSVP to cookierose827@aol.com. Coffee and cookies will be served. Hope to see you there.

Garden Club

Thursday, June 19th | 1:30pm Guardhouse

If you have questions, contact Lewis Honig at 772-345-1395.

Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe) Hadassah Mahjong & Game Party Tuesday, June 24th | 7pm Temple Beth El Israel, 551 Bethany Drive, Port St. Lucie

Please select a scoop of tuna, egg or chicken salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad or fresh fruit. Please call to make your reservation and lunch selection to Helene Paiva at 772-345-4293 or Renee Katz at 772-345-2644. $12 per person. Mail checks, payable to Hadassah, to Renee Katz, 9630 SW Camellia Court, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987. DEADLINE is June 10th.

Club Amici - Savor the Flavor of Italy Friday, July 18th | 6pm

Save the date! There will be no charge for this event. More details to follow.

Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe) Hadassah Cinderella Tuesday, June 17th | 7pm Port St. Lucie High School, 1201 SE Jaguar Lane

This preview performance is for the benefit of Leah Williamson Hadassah and Ladies of Vitalia. Donor credit for each ticket sold. Order your tickets now - $15. Mail checks (payable to Hadassah) to Arlene Schweitzer at 7139 Hawks View Trail, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

Red Hot Seasons Wednesday, June 18th | 12:30pm Twisted Grill, 918 SW Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie

For reservations, please contact Fran Weissman at 772249-8619 or sprat36@gmail.com before June 15th. The restaurant's phone number is 772-224-2853. We will not be meeting in July or August, but we are looking forward to seeing all Red Hat Ladies again in September. 10   Vitalia Voice | June 2014

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out & about Local Tradition Green Market

Business & Craft Expo

Every Sunday in June | 10am-3pm The Landing at Tradition

Saturday, June 7th | 10am-2pm Tradition Square

Shop local vendors for fresh produce, arts and crafts and more! For more information you may contact Tara Farrell at 772-359-1462.

Food Truck Invasion

Casey & Spaz Comedy Saturday, June 7th & 21st | 8:30pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place

Wednesday, June 4th & 18th | 5pm-9pm Tradition Square

For more information and tickets call 772-807-4499.

This is a huge outdoor picnic where food trucks of different origins, cuisine, and menus prepare food that is cooked to order. This is not fast food, but a way to experience gourmet food in your own community. There will be a great deal of fusion cuisine, comfort foods, and sweet treats to choose from. Be sure to bring your folding chairs or blankets to have a picnic on the lawn in front of Tradition Town Hall!

Solid Gold Dance Band Thursday, June 26th | 7pm-10pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place

This will be a great night of music and dancing to classic rock from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. For more information and tickets call 772-807-4488 or 772-807-4499.

Angler's Fishing

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Come on over and enjoy 40 companies/vendors, food, and a band. Free Admission. Raffle prizes will be given.

June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   11


club/group photos

y Party b r e D y k c u t n Ke

Good News From the Seasons Sunshine Club The Seasons Sunshine Club would like to send congratulations to the following residents: Dr. Mark and Sheryl Rosenbaum's daughter Amy is marring Jesse Lubin on July 19th in Plainview, Long Island, New York. Bonnie and Bill Brody's granddaughter, Vanessa Perez graduated in May with honors in Economics and International Relations from America University, Washington, DC. Sara and Bruce Schwartz's son Daniel produced a choral concert entitled Annelies at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 25th. Mary and Vito Blancato's grandson, Paul Murray, made All-American status for the third year in a row at the NCAA Collegiate Swim Nationals, as a Senior Athlete of the Florida State University Swim Team Kathy and Steve Simon are the proud grandparents of boy and girl twins, Jordan and Avery, born on April 14th to parents Jonathan and Jill Simon. All are doing well. 12   Vitalia Voice | June 2014


brain games

Word Search Puzzle Find and circle all of the words listed below related to the Places Residents Have Traveled To. Search words horizontally and vertically.

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Puzzle submitted by resident, Helen Penzel. June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   13


vitalia vines

Passion Flower Vines

Nan Rothschild Resident Master Gardener mininan1@htcplus.net

The passion flower is a rampant, climbing perennial vine with attractive 3 to 5 inch blossoms that range in shades of blue, purple, white, red or crimson depending on the species. The origin of passion flowers (Passiflora spp.) includes tropical regions of South America, Central America, Mexico and Australia. Passion flowers were given their name by early Spanish missionaries who saw many features in the flowers relating to the crucifixion or passion of Christ. The flower consists of an outer ring of ten petals thought to represent the ten apostles who witnessed the crucifixion. Within the petals is a ring of filaments suggestive of the crown of thorns. The five stamens were said to represent the wounds and the three stigmas represent the nails. Several ornamental varieties are available in Florida. They should not be confused with fruiting types. These are the red passion flower (Passiflora coccinea) and two hybrids P. alato-aerulea with blue flowers and Passiflora ‘Incense’ (P. incarnate x P. cincinnata) with mauve flowers. Lady Margaret is crimson with a center that looks like blue fiber optics. It is a constant bloomer and is one of the slower growers. Corky-stem (P. suberosa) is an invasive native with white one-inch insignificant flowers Citrina has petite one inch yellow blooms and is a confined grower. Passiflora blue bouquet has mixtures of purple blue and white. Several varieties including the purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), the yellow passion fruit (P. edulis var. flavicarpa) and the giant granadilla (P. quadrangularis) produce edible fruits which are known for the delightful exotic flavor of their juice. Passion fruit is cultivated commercially in Australia, Hawaii, South Africa, and Brazil. The juice can be found in many juice blends and punches, such as Hawaiian Punch. Maypop is a showy native Passiflora species. The flower is pink-purple and reaches 3 to 5 inches. The flower lasts one day appearing in summer and early fall. Fruits are 2 to 3 inches, spongy, and white. They are attractive and edible, but not very tasty. Leaves have 3 lobes and smooth margins.

14   Vitalia Voice | June 2014

Passion vines are subtropical and require relatively warm weather to successfully set fruit. Vines may be killed to the ground in the advent of severe frost, but generally grow back from the root when the weather warms up. Passion vines like loose sandy soil and have even become naturalized (wild) in some areas. A balanced fertilizer that supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal proportions plus micro-nutrients is adequate for passion vines on acid soils. Foliar sprays may be needed to avoid chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) in alkaline soil. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring before growth begins. Light applications can be given 4 to 6 weeks apart through October. Over-fertilization can damage roots. Passion vines are natural climbers and should be provided a trellis or planted near a fence or wall. They can be vigorous growers and may need pruning to control. Seedlings set in spring will spend most of the first season in vigorous vegetative growth, although a few flowers and fruit may appear in late summer. Vines grown from cuttings flower more profusely and set more fruit the first year than do seedlings. Passion vines are host plants (plants female butterflies seek out to lay their eggs on) for three of Florida’s most beautiful butterflies: zebra, gulf fritillary, and Julia. Females can detect host plants from quite a distance. Don’t worry about caterpillars eating them, it is the best pruning they will get and they will flush out quickly better than ever. Nematodes and fungi that invade the roots are the most common Passiflora pests. Avoid using pesticides if you want to attract butterflies.


June 2014 | Vitalia Voice   15


June 2014 10023 SW Oak Tree Circle Port St. Lucie, FL 34987


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