Tropaeolum pentaphyllum — capuchine
A superb climber with a great number of spectacular orangy flowers with a green apex, followed by dark purple fruits. The oval and irregular tubers should be left indisturbed. The palmate leaves are composed of 5 to 6 inequal, pointed lobes. Should be planted near a cypress tree, shrubs or wire netting in which it will climb rapidly from the end of the summer onwards. This species climbs higher than T. tricolor and stays green longer.
The tubers have a tough coating and are more resistant to drying out, can be planted more superficially than the other species (10cm)
The genus
This south American genus contains 60 species of which the most well know is T. majus (Nasturtium). In a mild climate some species wil remain evergreen, while others will be summer dormant. The latter are most adapted to the mediterranean climate and are presented here.
- Family :Tropaeolaceae
- Common name :capuchine
- Native to :Chili
- Native climate :méditéranéen (humid winters)
- Colour :Orange, Green
- Hardiness :medium
- Exposure :half-shade
- Storage organ :tuber
- Growth :winter grower
- Flowering height :150+ cm
- Uses :In the ground - Containers or pot - Climber
Growing cycle
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