Tropaeolum speciosum
You may call me a little ‘Nasturtium Happy’ – well, I am. I have always loved this un-worldly garden favourite and was amazed as a child to stumble across an attractive herbaceous perennial strain.
Growing the Tropaeolum speciosum
They can be a little problematic to get established, but once they get going, they will quickly make themselves at home. It is worth pointing out that although the Flame Flower is perfectly hardy, younger plants will need protecting against the worst of the winter weather. I’d suggest lifting the roots after the first frosts and over-wintering them in moist sand or compost in a frost free environment before planting them out again in mid-spring.
The Flame Flower will do well if encouraged to climb up a support such as a trellis or hedge, but will also ramble across a lawn or in amongst the borders. As with most plants, ensure that the soil has good drainage and watch out for slugs – the Flame Flower’s worst enemy!
The Tropaeolum speciosum is an elegant climber that will happily scramble into a hedge row or up a tree and add a splash of summer colour to your garden. It makes a very stately addition to any partially shaded area of any garden. An established specimen requires very little supervision, although it is strongly advise that you protect the parts of the plant nearest to the earth with a little shade. It will re-appear every year from its ever expanding tuberous root system.
The dark green exotic five-lobed leaves are match by flame-red open flowers from late summer to early autumn. The Royal Horticultural Society has presented the Tropaeolum speciosum with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). This variety is a ‘must-have’ for nasturtium lovers and climber collectors a-like.
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I have been given a piece of this Flame flower by a gardener. I’m told that it doesn’t grow from seed but that a piece of the tuberous root has to be acquired. Is this the only way to multiply this plant. I have wanted one for years but never got it. My plant is in a pot, should I put it under shelter for winter and in future can I just leave it where it is growing? Thanks, T.
Hi, sorry for the delay. Lucky you, it’s not so easy to get hold of. You can grow it from seed, but it’s not easy and can take up to a year to germinate. I’d over winter you plant under shelter for the first year, and then plant out next spring after the frosts. The flame flower is pretty hardy, but I would grow it under a bush or tree for extra defence against cold winters. It loves to climb into hedges and up trees, so this is a good way of getting your plant started. Once established, the Flame flower will really take off. Good luck.