Spanish Flag

Formerly known as Ipomoea lobata, this stunning annual climber is a highlight of the late summer UK garden. It is famed for its "firecracker" flower spikes, which emerge deep crimson at the tip and fade through orange and yellow to creamy-white at the base, giving it the appearance of a colourful flag. It is a fast-growing vine that can easily reach 2-3 metres in a single season, making it perfect for quickly covering obelisks or trellises once the weather warms up in June. It is not hardy and is treated as a half-hardy annual in the UK, usually sown under glass in spring and planted out after the last frosts. For the best results, it needs a hot, sunny, and sheltered spot to encourage prolific blooming. It is very effective when paired with other late-summer performers like Dahlias or Clematis 'Bill MacKenzie'. Its exotic appearance brings a vibrant, tropical feel to the garden during the transition from summer into autumn.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.