Tropaeolum
Nasturtium, Indian cress, Canary bird vine, Flame flower
- Height × spread
- 0.08m – 3m × 0.4m – 3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are a number of climbing or scrambling forms that are hardy enough to grow in the garden, as well as the popular annual Tropaeolum majus. The climbing forms have effervescent flowers in shades of red, yellow and orange. They are not all reliably hardy but may survive with winter protection, or the tubers can be dug up and stored. These climbers add an exotic touch to the garden. The humble Nasturtium, available in a range of colours and bi-colours and with beautiful round leaves, always delivers excellent value, and is beautiful placed so it can romp.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Red, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Grey, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Dome, Fan
- Height
- 0.08m – 3m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 3m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Shady court, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Ground cover, Bedding plant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Feed & mulch some rose varieties differently
To keep roses healthy and produce more flowers, feed during the growing season before and after flowering. Roses in containers should be fed more often than those planted in the ground, every two weeks from mid spring to late summer. Adding a mulch around the base of a rose will trap moisture and enrich the soil as it biodegrades.
Planting
Winter protection required by some varieties
Some plants within this genus require protection from winter cold. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Found in
More Tropaeolum
Tropaeolum speciosum
Scotch creeper, Scotch flame flower
Tropaeolum majus
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus 'Empress of India'
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus 'Margaret Long'
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus 'Peach Melba'
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus Alaska Series
Great Indian cress
Tropaeolum peregrinum
Canary creeper