{"product_id":"ja-tropaeolum-tricolor-three-coloured-nasturtium","title":"Tropaeolum tricolor (Three-coloured Nasturtium) Tubers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eThree-coloured Nasturtium\u003c\/strong\u003e or Three-coloured Indian Cress, is an unusual tuberous perennial climber producing masses of brilliantly coloured flowers in \u003cstrong\u003ered, purple and yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its exceptionally slender twining stems weave through supports and neighbouring plants, creating a delicate curtain of foliage and exotic, long-spurred blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike familiar annual nasturtiums, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e follows an unusual \u003cstrong\u003ewinter-growing and summer-dormant\u003c\/strong\u003e cycle. The stems emerge from an underground tuber during the cooler months, with flowering continuing from winter into spring or early summer before the plant naturally dies back for its summer rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Three-coloured Nasturtium, Three-coloured Indian Cress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tuberous perennial climber\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange-red, purple and yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Winter to early summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5m\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 30-60cm when trained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright position with sun or light shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, very well-drained soil or compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDormancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer dormant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Conservatories, cool greenhouses, sheltered walls and containers with climbing support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Tropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Chile, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most distinctive members of the nasturtium family. From the tuber emerge exceptionally fine, thread-like stems bearing small, light green leaves divided into five or seven rounded lobes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are the real attraction. Each is around 3cm long, with an orange-red calyx tipped in deep purple surrounding a contrasting yellow flower. A slender red to purple spur extends behind the bloom, producing the extraordinary three-coloured effect that gives the species its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA Delicate Climber\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the fine appearance of its stems, this species can climb to around \u003cstrong\u003e1.5m tall\u003c\/strong\u003e when given suitable support. Fine mesh, twiggy branches or slender canes work particularly well because the delicate stems need something narrow to twine through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts airy growth makes it ideal where a conventional vigorous climber would be too heavy. The flowers are most effective when the stems are allowed to scramble naturally through an open framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Grow Tropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the UK, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e is best grown somewhere \u003cstrong\u003esheltered from hard frost and excessive winter wet\u003c\/strong\u003e. A cool greenhouse, conservatory or protected container makes it much easier to accommodate its winter-growing habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of light and excellent drainage. The tuber dislikes sitting in cold, waterlogged compost, particularly when dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Tropaeolum tricolor Tubers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the tuber in a deep pot filled with a fertile but sharply draining compost. A mix containing additional grit or perlite is useful. Cover the tuber with several centimetres of compost and provide a climbing support from the start, as the new shoots can develop quickly once growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWater cautiously at first, increasing slightly once strong growth is visible. During active growth, keep the compost lightly moist but never saturated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter Growth and Summer Dormancy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusual seasonal cycle is important when growing this species. \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e normally grows through the cooler part of the year, flowers from winter into spring or early summer, then naturally begins to yellow and die back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the foliage has died, \u003cstrong\u003ereduce watering significantly during summer dormancy\u003c\/strong\u003e. The resting tuber should be kept comparatively dry until signs of fresh growth return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen supported, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e usually climbs to around \u003cstrong\u003e1.5m tall\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its individual stems are extremely slender, with an approximate trained spread of \u003cstrong\u003e30-60cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on the support provided and the maturity of the tuber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Tropaeolum tricolor?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtraordinary three-coloured flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright orange-red, purple and yellow colouring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate thread-like climbing stems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnusual winter-growing habit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers when relatively few climbers are in bloom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaches approximately 1.5m tall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of around 30-60cm when trained\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReturns from a perennial underground tuber\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent collector's plant for protected cultivation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Tropaeolum tricolor grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is a delicate climber capable of reaching approximately 1.5m tall with suitable support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is its spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen trained, allow approximately 30-60cm, although the fine stems can be directed over a wider support if required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Tropaeolum tricolor flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt typically flowers from winter through spring and into early summer before entering dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tropaeolum tricolor related to ordinary nasturtiums?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. It belongs to the same genus, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum\u003c\/em\u003e, but unlike commonly grown annual nasturtiums it is a perennial climber growing from a tuber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need climbing support?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. The very slender stems climb most effectively through fine mesh, twiggy supports or thin canes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Tropaeolum tricolor hardy in the UK?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is best treated as a plant for protected or very sheltered cultivation in the UK, particularly because its active growing period occurs during winter when frost and excessive wet can be damaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat happens in summer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe plant naturally dies back into its underground tuber and becomes dormant. Water should be greatly reduced during this resting period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003efine climbing stems and extraordinary red, purple and yellow flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tricolor\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating and highly distinctive tuberous climber for gardeners who enjoy unusual plants and seasonal growth cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"1 Tuber","offer_id":57516521619843,"sku":"JA-T2880","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Tubers","offer_id":57516521652611,"sku":"JA-T2880x10","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Tropeaolum-tricolor-tr23-e1517587299791.jpg?v=1790089642","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/ja-tropaeolum-tricolor-three-coloured-nasturtium","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}