Tropaeolum majus
garden nasturtium
T. majus is an annual climber which will scramble over the ground or up a support. Circular, wavy-edged leaves are supported, parasol-like, by a central stalk. The long-spurred flowers, in shades of red, yellow and orange, appear in summer and autumn. The whole plant has a sharp aroma
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Yellow | 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
- Trailing
- 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
Correct
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.