Ipomoea lobata | Spanish Flag

This fast-growing climber forms a green, leafy screen of relatively large, distinctly lobed foliage, very attractive in its own right, although it's for the abundance of tubular summer flowers that this tender perennial is most highly prized. Forming in one-sided sprays, these blooms are initially red, but fade to orange, yellow then finally white as they mature. The overall effect is extremely colourful. It will survive year after year if grown in a greenhouse or conservatory where temperatures do not drop below 10C, although most gardeners grow it as an annual. Growing instructions: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to soften them up and then plant 2.5mm deep into small pots filled with a seed and cuttings compost. Keep them at around 20°C and water when necessary. Thin out carefully when large enough to handle taking care not to damage the roots and harden off before planting out, once acclimatised after risk of frost has passed. Provide adequate support for it to scramble up. Sow: March to April Flowering: June to September