About
A summer-dormant, perennial climber to 1m in height, with small, palmate leaves and short-spurred, sky-blue flowers, with a creamy centre, produced in late spring.
About the genus
Tropaeolum can be annuals or perennials, bushy, trailing or climbing by twining stems, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and showy funnel-shaped flowers with five long-clawed petals and often a spur
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toChile
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationNeeds winter protection except in very mild areas. Grow under glass in a deep container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added fine grit, starting into growth in autumn and allowing to go dormant after flowering. Requires good light, but with shade from hot sunshine
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free