Some loss of lower leaves is quite normal, particularly as winter approaches - if the winter is cold, it's not unusual to find the plant totally leafless by spring. See how it looks in March/April, prune back then if necessary.

I have had passionflowers for years I agree with Bamboo

Thank you Bamboo anad Morgana, your replies are comforting. The leaves fell in summer too, I assumed due to dryness, and watered it. Any further suggestions?

You could give it a feed with tomatoe feed as was recomended to me by a lady who grows and sells them but don't feed too much as they won't flower, yes they don't mind poor soil, mine is under slabs too, florished lovely every year, it was quite large too, when winter comes the leaves fall any way just like Bamboo stated, by the spring mine would not have one leaf on, until due to flower in mid summer.

From your description I'm asking myself maybe that's why it's called Passion flower (S)

Thanks again, not sure I quite understand Heron's somewhat poignant allusion!

Guess cos everything drops off in the "winter" (or in your sixties and seventies...)
Most likely the leaf drop in summer was due to drought, I'd think.

It's just my sense of humour Cecily. It's an asset when you're getting older, no point in worrying. What colour is it ? they're both extraordinarily nice but I think I like the white one best.

The Passion Flower gets its name from the different parts that make up the flower. You have the 3 nails & the crown of thorns very clearly in the open flowers.

Quote:

Symbolism

The five petals and five sepals are the ten disciples less Judas & Peter. The corona filaments are the crown of thorns. The five stamen with anthers match the five sacred wounds & the three stigma the nails. This symbolism is not universal however, in Japan it is sometimes known as 'The Clock-faced Plant' and apparently has recently been adopted as as symbol for homosexual Japanese youths.

/Quote

http://www.passionflow.co.uk/passion-flower-passiflora-history.htm

The website above is probably the most authoritative site on the internet.

Lol Balcony about the Japanese yes the first one I have heard, the passiflora has different types of flowers, I have the hardy one which of what you speak of, also a purle one lavender lady which is different, also go a red one different flower again.

Never seen a red one Morgana, I'd like one but I expect it will be very tender.

Have you not Heron, here have a look at these ones this is a link all passifloras. If you ever get the chance go to the top man who is the specialist on passifloras and view what he has in Passifloras, I went to see them he has tunnles of them, such beautiful ones too. I bought 2 off him and a wonderful lily alas that died on me. He lives in a little village in Cleveland Dorset.
http://home-garden.shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_npmv=3&_trksid=p3910.m38.l1313&_nkw=passiflora&_sacat=11700