Tropaeolum majus 'Black Velvet' (Tom Thumb Series)

RHS Plant Profile
nasturtium 'Black Velvet'
nasturtium 'Black Velvet' visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Neutral or Alkaline or Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Tropaeolaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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