Tropaeolum tricolor

Hardly ever seen offered for sale, Tropaeolum tricolorum (tricolor) is one of the prettiest little spring flowering plants. It may have small flowers, however it does have lots of them and they are fascinating.

Small trumpet shaped flowers red and purple with a pale lime green to yellow lip. Sometimes called the ‘Bolivian Nasturtium’ and yes they are related to the common garden type.

These are a a climbing plant, that grow from small tubers. We grow them in a terracotta pot with a climbing frame attached. You could plant them out into the garden where they will scramble through other plants, however as the flowers are so fascinating we do like to have them on show.

How To Grow Tropaeolum tricolor – Basic Care

One of the main tricks to growing this wonderful little plant is to make sure it gets a dry summer. We put the pots away under cover when the plants have died back. Any cool dry position will do, ours are in the potting shed.

Planting Time

Plant out the tubers in late summer to autumn use a large pot, they can reach 3m in height. You will need a climbing frame, and Tropaeolum tricolor looks best when 3 or 4 tubers are planted in the one container.

These are a fast growing species, they will break the surface and quickly climb up the trellis. Masses of flowers and then they will suddenly die back. However provided the container is well drained and kept in a cool position they will pop up again the next autumn.

As soon as winter comes around its time to get them out into the open, make sure they receive moisture but are also well drained. A position in full winter sun works well. By the time the heat of summer comes around, Tropaeolum tricolor will have died back and be ready for its summer rest.

How to Plant

You will need a support and a simple tripod, mini trellis or 4 legged frame is suitable. Plant the tubers near each leg and they will find their way to the top.

1. Choose a large pot (at least 30cm deep) with excellent drainage holes.
2. Use a free-draining potting mix – cactus/succulent mix works well.
3. Add grit or perlite to improve drainage.
4. Plant 3–4 tubers about 5cm deep and 10cm apart.
5. Install a climbing frame or mini trellis in the pot.
6. Water lightly until shoots appear.
7. Place in a full sun to bright shade position for winter growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

• Autumn – Plant tubers, begin watering
• Winter – Active growth and flowering
• Spring – Peak flowering, begin drying down
• Summer – Dormant – no water, store dry

Pruning & Dormancy

• No pruning needed.
• After flowering, foliage dies back quickly – this is normal.
• Once dormant, store pots in a dry, cool place (garage or potting shed).

Propagation

During this summer dormancy is also the time to divide the tubers which will happily multiply. Every 2 – 3 years as a rule.

Some gardeners lift the tubers every summer, we tend to just put the pots away.

You might be able to find some seed, probably from the UK. But a warning, these plants are very slow, and a little difficult to germinate from seed, so be patient and don’t be surprised if you need to have a few try’s before you succeed.

What Makes Tropaeolum tricolor Special?

Tropaeolum tricolor is a rare, collector’s gem of a plant. Though not often available for sale, it’s highly sought after for its:

• Striking tri-coloured flowers – red and purple petals with a lime-yellow lip
• Vigorous climbing habit – easily covers a small trellis or obelisk
• Delicate form – a showpiece in pots or woodland-style gardens
• Tubers multiply easily – making propagation rewarding

Also known as the Bolivian Nasturtium, it belongs to the same family as the common garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), but its growth cycle and care are quite different.

Design Ideas & Landscape Uses

• Terracotta pots on patios or balconies – perfect for close-up viewing
• Under deciduous trees – flowers while trees are bare
• Woodland gardens – natural scrambling effect
• Vertical trellis features – ideal for small gardens or courtyards

Top Tip: Place near a doorway or window for daily admiration during flowering season.

Quick Facts: Tropaeolum tricolor at a Glance

• Botanical Name:
Tropaeolum tricolor
• Common Name:
Bolivian Nasturtium
• Origin
South America (Chile, Bolivia, Peru)
• Growth Habit:
Climbing vine, up to 3m
• Flowering Time:
Late winter to early spring
• Flower Colour:
Red, purple, and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers
• Growing Method:
From small tubers
• Light:
Full winter sun to dappled shade
• Watering Needs: Moderate in growth season; dry in summer
• Climate Zones:
Cool to temperate; suited to Zones 7–10
• Frost Tolerance
Moderate – dies back in summer, regrows in cool season

Tropaeolum tricolor are available for sale form the following nurseries

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You might also try Stephan Ryan at Mt Macedon if you are passing.