Latin name: Tropeolum majus
Description: Very well known annual scrambling climber from Colombia and Bolivia, growing up to 3m in one season form seed, thus a useful, quick ground cover or climber. The leaves are mid-to-light green and almost round. The flowers are up to 5cm across with long spurs at the back, in shades of red, orange and yellow. There are countless hybrids with a myriad colour mixes as well. The leaves and flowers can be used in salads and have a peppery taste. The seeds can also be pickled and used in place of capers.
Hardiness: Half hardy – grow in situation annually from seed. In mild winters it will self sow, producing a carpet of colour
Height: up to 3m if climbing or 30cm if scrambling along the ground
Position: Full sun to light shade
Soil: poor soil produces more flowers and good soil more foliage
Water: fairly drought tolerant once established
Usage: Useful for covering large areas of ground quickly in one season, or scrambling over an old tree stump or anything you want to hide for the summer months
Fri, Mar 30, 2012
Gardening with Mediterranean Plants