Felder Rushing
Family
Tropaeolaceae
Botanical Name
TROPAEOLUM
Plant Common Name
Nasturtium
General Description
Tropaeolum is a genus of approximately 80 species and hundreds of popular hybrid cultivars. All originate from South and Central America as well as Mexico, and most are perennial, vining and may be evergreen or herbaceous.
Commonly called nasturtiums, many Tropaeolum are garden favorites grown for their profusion of showy, open, five-petaled flowers with large, nectar-rich spurs. They commonly come in shades of yellow, orange or red, but some cultivars offer shades of apricot, rose and pink. Foliage is species dependent, but the most common cultivated species, Tropaeolum majus has distinct parasol-shaped, or peltate, leaves.
There are also Tropaeolum that are grown for food. A native of the Andes, Tropaeolum tuberosum, has edible tubers that are highly valued by the native people living there. In addition, the pretty peppery-tasting flowers of Tropaeolum majus are enjoyed in salads.
Nasturtiums prefer cooler temperatures and are commonly grown as tender perennials. Overall, they grow best if given bright light—direct where summers are cool and indirect where hot—rich fertile soil and regular water. Almost all garden cultivated nasturtiums are grown from seed. The long-blooming plants adapt readily to containers and make good partners with other colorful bedding plants.
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Mexico, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Red, Orange, Pink, Rose, Peach
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
