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Tropaeolum speciosum
flame flower or flame creeper
Putting on a stunning display when the vermilion red flowers appear throughout the summer, this climbing perennial will give a tropical...
2 litre pot | 30cm tall
available to order from late spring
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Plant description
Putting on a stunning display when the vermilion red flowers appear throughout the summer, this climbing perennial will give a tropical feel to the planting scheme.
Tropaeolum speciosum is happiest when grown in a sunny spot, but (like a clematis), it prefers a cool and shady root run. It looks great when trained over an obelisk or arch - or simply allowed to scramble up against a wall or fence. It can even be grown through larger shrubs to offer seasonal interest.
Tropaeolum speciosum is happiest when grown in a sunny spot, but (like a clematis), it prefers a cool and shady root run. It looks great when trained over an obelisk or arch - or simply allowed to scramble up against a wall or fence. It can even be grown through larger shrubs to offer seasonal interest.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Tropaeolum speciosum:
To avoid dry conditions, and to ensure good soil contact around the rootball, we advise planting climbers at least 30cm (12in), and preferably 45-60cm (18-24in) away from the base of a wall or fence. An even larger distance should be maintained when planting climbers beside an existing tree or shrub.
Plant flame creeper in a cool, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally on the shady side of a shrub or hedge so the roots stay cool while the stems can climb into brighter light. It prefers acidic to neutral soil, so mix in leafmould or ericaceous compost at planting to help it establish. Give it something to scramble through, such as a dense shrub or trellis, as it doesn’t cling by itself.
Keep the soil consistently moist in summer, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch each spring with leafmould or composted bark to help keep the root zone cool and moist.
Feed lightly in spring, remove any dead growth as shoots emerge, and avoid heavy pruning—simply tidy it as needed. Divide or move plants only if essential, and do so in early spring, as it resents root disturbance.
Plant flame creeper in a cool, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally on the shady side of a shrub or hedge so the roots stay cool while the stems can climb into brighter light. It prefers acidic to neutral soil, so mix in leafmould or ericaceous compost at planting to help it establish. Give it something to scramble through, such as a dense shrub or trellis, as it doesn’t cling by itself.
Keep the soil consistently moist in summer, especially in dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Mulch each spring with leafmould or composted bark to help keep the root zone cool and moist.
Feed lightly in spring, remove any dead growth as shoots emerge, and avoid heavy pruning—simply tidy it as needed. Divide or move plants only if essential, and do so in early spring, as it resents root disturbance.
Please note:
This climber is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
