Quick Guide: summer, hardy, shade, height: 3m/10ft, width: 90cm/3ft

Tropaeolums include the familiar garden nasturtium, T. majus, and the canary creeper, T. peregrinum, both annuals, which climb by twisting their leaf stalks around any available support. T. speciosum (above), or flame nasturtium, is a rhizomatous perennial which bears bright red flowers on slender stems from mid to late summer. Attractive green leaves echo the radiating form of the petals. There are no named varieties of the species.

GROWING Despite its South American origin, the flame nasturtium does not like full sun - a shaded wall is ideal. Set out plants in spring in fertile, slightly acid soil, if necessary adding peat. Supports are essential, but a leafy shrub will serve this purpose as well as wires or canes.

PROPAGATION Divide the rhizomes in spring.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Aphids may infest the stems.