TROPAEOLUM
Nasturtium
Tropaeolaceae
Annuals
Old-fashioned favorites from South America. Distinctive appearance, rapid growth, and easy culture are three of their many strong points.
Two main kinds: climbing types, which trail over ground or climb to 6 ft. by coiling leafstalks; and compact, bushy, dwarf kinds to 1 1/2 ft. high and wide (dwarf types are more widely sold). Both have round bright green leaves on long stalks. Long-spurred flowers to 2 1/2 in. across have a refreshing fragrance, come in colors including maroon, red brown, orange, yellow, red, creamy white. You can get seeds of mixed colors in several strains; some single colors are also sold. Both single- and double- flowered forms are available. All varieties make good cut flowers. Young leaves, flowers, and unripe seedpods have a peppery flavor and are frequently used in salads.
Fallopia
The plants described here were formerly listed as Polygonum. These vines offer showy flowers,...
ECHIUM
Grown for striking form and flower clusters. All do well in dry, poor soil but need good drainage. All...
Arundo donax
Native to the Mediterranean region. Once valued for its bold effect in garden fringes and near water a...
Find Your Sunset Climate Zone
Advertisement
