About
A bushy annual to 30cm with light green, circular leaves supported on central stems. In summer through to early autumn flowers open deep red with a velvet texture providing a striking contrast to the leaves.
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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-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, 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.
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in mid-spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases