About
A collection of annual climbers, to around 1.8m high, with rounded leaves streaked and splashed with creamy-white. Flowers in rich shades of red orange and cream are borne from summer into early autumn.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Annual Biennial
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in poor, well-drained soil; if the soil is too rich foliage will be produced at the expense of flowers. Will tolerate light shade but flowering is better in full sun. Provide support for climbing stems
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead to encourage further flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown under glass in early spring for transplanting, or in situ after risk of frosts has passed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to virus diseases