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Climber Wall ShrubAnnual Biennial

Ipomoea lobata

Spanish flag

A twining climber up to 5m tall, usually grown as an annual, with three-lobed leaves. The crimson-flushed stems bear one-sided racemes of small, tubular, dark red flowers which fade to orange and then a creamy yellow in summer

Synonyms
Ipomoea lobata 'Exotic Love'
Mina lobata
see moreIpomoea versicolor

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Red Orange Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Convolvulaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Ipomoea can be annuals or perennials, often twining, or evergreen shrubs, with simple, lobed or dissected leaves and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be solitary or borne in racemes or panicles

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow as an annual climber in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun and sheltered from cold winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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