Tropaeolum tricolour, also known as the climbing Nasturtium, is a stunning perennial tuber that will create eye-catching and show-stopping displays in the early spring months. The flowers give the impression of schools of brightly coloured fish, well this is a common description that many Horticulturists use. The uniquely shaped blooms are tubular-square in shape with a rich colouring of red, violet-blue and yellow. At first glance, you might think this is a tropical, temperate plant; however, it thrives in cooler climates.
How To Plant
Tropaeolum tricolour is a deciduous climber, with the first new season shoots emerging in the spring. Shoots will quickly try to cling to support, so it’s important to have them planted near a fenceline or in a container with a stake. If growing in containers, ensure the potting medium is well draining as, like most tubers, if they are left too wet for an extended period of time they are at risk of rotting. Over summer, the entire plant will die back to soil level, which also means late summer is the ideal time to divide plants if you wish to do so and replant. The golden rule to dividing these plants is every 1.5 – 3 years. Never divide in the first year, as the plant is still establishing and developing strong tubers. Tropaeolum tricolour is a very quick-growing tuber and will give multiple tubers in no time. As the plant is dormant (if grown in a pot) keep it in a cool position until they emerge in the autumn months.
As winter approaches and settles in, it is a good time to bring your Tropaeolum tricolour pot out from its sheltered area into a position that is sunnier. I like to do this in mid-late July here in Australia. If planted in the garden and if you are unsure if the plants will be okay, lifting the tubers and storing or potting them up is always a good idea.
Finer Details
Tropaeolum tricolour is a decent-sized climber growing between 3-11 feet ( 90 – 400cm) in length/ height. Plants thrive in moist, loam but well-drained soils or a premium quality potting mix with added grit for drainage. This is fairly easy to grow with minimal pest and disease issues; I have never seen any issues with mine in the garden. If you are on the hunt for this special plant, Tropaeolum tricolour is very difficult to come by in retailers and is often found among plant collectors.
Until next time, happy gardening!
By Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
©BMHPhotographyTheGardener’sNotebook2022
Oh, this species, as well as blue nasturtium, has been elusive. I have purchased seed a few times, but none was viable. (I think some was a scam.) I will not try it this spring, but will likely try it in the future.