Botanical family: Tropaeolaceae

Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum hybridum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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This garden favorite will spread like wildfire, produce decorative foliage, have an ocean of brightly-colored blossoms. It is a herbaceous fast growing flowering plant originating in South America in the Andes from Bolivia north to Colombia. Cultivated varieties have hybrid origin, with possible parent species including T. minus, T. moritzianum, T. peltophorum, and T. peregrinum. Trailing stems grow to a few feet. The leaves are large, nearly circular. They have a beauty of their own. Reminiscent of water lily pads, the more common ones are flat and round, with the stem attached to the center and the vein radiating out from there. Garden Nasturtiums are grown for their flowers, and also because both their leaves and flowers are edible; they can be used in salads, imparting a delicately peppery taste. Although the blossoms appear delicate, they are actually very durable and make for vibrant and long-lasting garnishes, one of their best uses. Use the blossoms either whole or chopped to decorate creamy soups, salads, butters, cakes and platters. Their sweet, peppery taste (both in the leaves and in the flowers) adds to the enjoyment. In fact, it is for its tangy taste that nasturtium gets its common name. It comes from the Latin "Nasus Tortus" meaning convulsed nose, referring to the faces people made when tasting the spicy plant. Take advantage of this spicy flavor as well as the decorative color. Use both leaves and blossoms in salads. Try adding them to spinach salads for a dramatic effect. Nasturtium's spiciness is also a winning addition to cheese spreads. The seeds are also edible, and can be used as a caper substitute and as a substitute for black pepper. Being high in vitamin C, nasturtiums act as a natural antibiotic, and as such were used topically as a poultice for minor cuts and scratches. Nasturtiums are also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Nasturtiums are a gardener's dream. They are virtually carefree once established. Snails don't seem to be interested in them. They will even self seed and come back the next year in mild climate. Nasturtium is a good choice as a fast growing, ever-blooming showy ground cover. It is a great butterfly attractor. Ideally, nasturtiums like to be in full sun, with moist, well drained soil. Nasturtiums come in two forms: compact and trailing. The compact variety is low and busy, usually staying at about 12" tall. They are useful as border plants, creating a colorful and dense edge. The trailing variety cascades dramatically down walls or tumbles brightly out of hanging baskets. They are also perfect for window boxes and container herb gardens. Just be sure to keep them trimmed back or they will crowd out the other plants. Enjoy them all summer long!

Tropaeolum minus

Dwarf nasturtium is an annual to short-lived perennial plant growing around 30cm tall.

The plant provides edible flowers, leaves and seeds, has insect repellent properties and various medicinal applications.

Tropaeolum moritzianum

Tropaeolum peregrinum

This vigorously climbing vine or creeper is native to South America and grows to around 2-3m tall. The fast-growing, twining stems with heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow, orange flowers will brighten up any garden with its spicy aroma. The Canary Creeper is a great choice for all gardens, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and adds a unique flavor to dishes.

Like other flowering Nasturtium, the flowers, seeds, leaves and even the stems, of your Canary Creeper plants are edible. Use early seeds as a substitute for capers, or add the leaves and flowers to salads.

The Canary Creeper flower enjoys full sun to semi-shade and requires regular to moderate water and a moist, well-drained soil. Most of all it likes and grows lush in a warm sunny spot. An occasional pruning will help keep the plant tidy. In cold northern regions such as USDA zones 9-11, you can grow the Canary Creeper in a pot, as a houseplant and indoors, as long as it's given enough light and a few hours of sun daily. Make sure to protect them from extreme cold. These plants can mature to a cold hardy state of at least 30s F for a short amount of time.

If potted as a houseplant, water it as often as you can every week, but make sure that the soil dries out somewhat between waterings. Dry soil can cause leaves to go limp and some yellowing in the oldest leaves, but the plant should quickly recover with regular water. For best growth, feed your Canarybird flower with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the blooming season.

Tropaeolum polyphyllum

It is a caudiciform plant, meaning it develops a type of enlarged, swollen root known as a caudex in its native habitat. It is a fast-growing small shrub that typically grows in clumps ranging from 2 to 5 feet in size. This plant prefers full sun to semi-shade, although it needs shade in places with extremely hot climates. It requires moderate water and can also tolerate dry conditions. This species is native to Argentina and Chile.

It has bright yellow or orange blooms with five petals, which are produced on branched clusters during late spring and summer. The flowers stand at the top of the stems and sometimes grows up to 8 inches long.

Tropaeolum polyphyllum is a strongly cold-susceptible plant and its tubers are winter-hardy to around 30s F only. This is best grown in temperate zones, preferably USDA Zone 6-10, with Pot culture the best option for cold regions.

When it comes to care, one should water sparingly in the pot with well-draining soil and to allow it to dry between watering. Fertilize this plant every other month during its growth period with a balanced fertilizer. One should give it some light pruning every once in a while, removing the old rosettes, in order to promote growth of new foliage.

Pest and disease problems do not occur very often with Tropaeolum polyphyllum, but it is more susceptible to root fungus and fungal diseases if it is grown in humid conditions. Occasional whitefly, aphids, or mealybugs may also be a problem.

Overall, Tropaeolum polyphyllum is an easy-care caudiciform plant suitable for garden beds or larger pots, and can do very well in full sun or a semi-shade location. With minimal work, it will provide beautiful yellow or orange blooms during late spring and summer. This is an excellent plant to have in a zone that has suitable conditions, as it can withstand cold temperatures at least down to 30s F, making it a unique choice for gardens in colder climates.

Tropaeolum tricolor

Tropaeolum tricolor is a delicate, colorful climber with thread-like stems and small, bright red, purple and yellow, long-spurred flowers.In the spring, after the flower show is over, the vine goes dormant until autumn. During the summer dormancy, the tubers must be kept dry.