Overview

Tropaeolum polyphyllum is a perennial in the genus Tropaeolum, part of the Tropaeolaceae family. Tropaeolum polyphyllum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soils. It is native to C Chile to NW Argentina.

About

Tropaeolum polyphyllum is a tuberous perennial from high Andean slopes, noted for trailing shoots of silvery, deeply lobed leaves topped by golden yellow flowers. It overwinters as a deep-seated tuber and the aerial growth dies back after flowering. Suited to exposed, rocky sites, it prefers well-drained sandy or gritty soil and tolerates dry to moderate moisture. Skin allergen — wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tropaeolum polyphyllum

About the genus

Tropaeolum, commonly known as nasturtium, is a genus of roughly 80 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants. It was named by Carl Linnaeus in his book Species Plantarum and is the only genus in the family Tropaeolaceae. The nasturtiums received their common name because they produce an oil similar to that of watercress.

Wikipedia contributors, "Tropaeolum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tropaeolum

In the garden

Tropaeolum polyphyllum originates from the central Andes, occurring naturally from central Chile to north-west Argentina where it grows on stony ground and scree at altitude. Plants send up long trailing shoots in the growing season from a dormant tuber, producing silvery lobed foliage and conspicuous golden yellow flowers between June and September; after flowering the shoots collapse and the tuber remains dormant through winter. Give it a sunny or lightly shaded aspect in a free-draining, sandy or rocky growing medium and avoid winter waterlogging. It suits dry to moderately moist conditions rather than consistently damp soils. An exposed position that mimics alpine scree will help maintain the plant’s compact, low hummock form; take care when handling, as it is a skin allergen so gloves and eye protection are recommended. In the UK it is best grown in rock gardens, alpine troughs, gravel beds or on a sunny, well-drained bank where its late-spring to summer flowers can be appreciated. Because the above-ground shoots die back after flowering, mark the planting spot or grow alongside clearly visible companions so you do not disturb the tuber during winter dormancy.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tropaeolum

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, sandy or rocky

Soil moisture

dry to moderate

Exposure

exposed, mountainous

Plant details

Tropaeolum polyphyllum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Native to

C Chile to NW Argentina

Toxicity

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tropaeolum polyphyllum

Propagation

seed

Frequently asked questions