Tropaeolum

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This genus contains both winter-dormant and summer-dormant species so whilst we will continue to offer the genus all year, our range within this will change according to the season.

The Tropaeolum that we grow are all climbing or scrambling species and they carry masses of flowers in a variety of shades, many having flowers of intense colouring.

The genus is diverse and cultural requirements vary. These are detailed under each species, though most simply require good drainage and a fertile compost. Some are cold-hardy, the majority will do best if protected from the worst of winter wet and cold combined, cultivation under alpine, cool or cold glass is perfect.

Tropaeolum ciliatum

A vigorous climber with small nasturtium-like leaves and masses upon masses of highly scented, dusky old-gold flowers intricately veined with fine, deep blood red lines in the centre.

This plant is very vigorous and after a year of establishing (when it looks nothing) it can rapidly make 10-15m of growth in a rich soil. It then covers itself in flowers, from ground upwards.

The first time I ever saw this plant in flower in November, and by then I had to go upstairs and hang out of a window to see the flowers.

Be warned it makes a lot of growth and can travel underground extensively. It is one of only two "bulbs" that I know of which will grow in the shade of mature trees (Cyclamen hederifolium is the other).

A native of shady gullies around Santiago in Chile, undeniably hardy and very tough.


Tropaeolum ciliatumtrocilcil	£5.00
Large view

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tubers, like small potatoes, produce masses of slender, climbing and scrambling shoots which make a lovely soft foil of small, five fingered leaves. The leaf growth is not invasive or unpleasant, it is rather delicate-looking and lacy. When you least expect it, in the earliest days of the year, the flower buds appear and open.

The blooms are small, but produced in masses. The ground colour is brilliant flame-red, the mouth is infused with deep violet but it folds open to reveal a collar of rich primrose yellow, hence the name 'three coloured'. The combination is very good and the abundance of the flowers lights up the whole plant - although by May this has vanished below ground until Autumn.

Growth is traditionally in a pot of well-drained, loam-based compost and they are best under cool glass or in a conservatory, since frost can remove the foliage.

There has never been a suggestion of hardiness in this species, so we were very surprised to discover it in flower here one March, thriving and having overwintered outside, for at least three years(4 as of 2006) in the shelter of some conifers through which it was growing.


Tropaeolum tricolortrotricol	£9.50
Large view