Photo of Tropaeolum tricolor by Zephs

Photo by Zephs

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Tropaeolum tricolor

Also Known As

  • Tropaeolum tricolorum
  • Bolivian Nasturtium

Plant type

perennial, vine, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 80"
  • W: 6'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

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Tropaeolum tricolor plant details

Tropaeolum tricolor is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber or vine with green foliage. In fall, spring and winter red and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and occasional water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Tropaeolum tricolor

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or vine
Plant family: tropaeolaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 80 IN tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in fall, spring and winter

GROWING CONDITIONS for Tropaeolum tricolor

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The hair-like stems of this tuberous, Chilean climber, clamber their way through and over shrubs or other surrounding vegetation. Clasping it's prehensile leaves delicately around twigs and branches it scales to a high and sunny vantage and there displays it's small but abundant tricolour blooms, each yellow flower peeping out from the green ruff of it's long spurred red hat. A winter grower it retreats to the cool sanctuary of it's underground tuber once temperatures climb much above 30°F, usually in late spring or early summer, and there comfortably waits out heat and drought until coolness and moisture entice it forth once more the following year. Demanding only of excellent drainage and summer dryness, any loose soil, sand or gravel will do but not clay, preferably under a deciduous shrub. Otherwise a pot of well drained potting mix kept barely moist and out of the sun over summer will be quite to it's liking.

By: Zephs

Gardening facts about Tropaeolum tricolor plant

How to Grow Tropaeolum tricolor

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • fall
    • winter
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • yellow
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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