Tropaeolum majus 'Black Velvet' (Tom Thumb Series)
A bushy annual to 30cm with light green, circular leaves supported on central stems. In summer through to early autumn flowers open deep red with a velvet texture providing a striking contrast to the leaves
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Tropaeolaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Tropaeolum can be annuals or perennials, bushy, trailing or climbing by twining stems, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and showy funnel-shaped flowers with five long-clawed petals and often a spur
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in poor, well-drained soil in full sun, if the soil is too rich foliage will be produced at the expense of flowers.
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to virus diseases
Get involved
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