About
A dwarf, bushy annual to around 30cm in height, with rounded green leaves speckled and splashed with creamy-white. Leaves and flowers are edible and can be added to salads or cakes for decoration. Masses of funnel-shaped, orange flowers appear from June to October.
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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in poor, well-drained soil in full sun, if the soil is too rich foliage will be produced at the expense of flowers
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or stem tip cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases