Ipomoea lobata explained

Ipomoea lobata, the fire vine, firecracker vine or Spanish flag[1] (formerly Mina lobata), is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae, native to Mexico and Brazil.[2]

Growing to 5m (16feet) tall, Ipomoea lobata is a perennial climber often cultivated in temperate regions as an annual. It has toothed and lobed leaves (hence lobata) and one-sided racemes of flowers, opening red and fading to yellow, cream and white. These colours are graded down the length of the flower spike. The effect is like a firework, hence one of its popular names "firecracker vine". The colours vaguely resemble the red and gold of Spain's national flag, hence its other common name "Spanish flag".

Ipomoea lobata requires a minimum temperature of 5C, and a warm, sheltered spot in full sun (either equatorial-facing or west-facing). It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] [4]

It is closely related to two other popular, award-winning climbing plants, Ipomoea indica (blue dawn flower) and Ipomoea tricolor (morning glory).

The name "Spanish flag" is also used for Lantana camara, an ornamental shrub.[5]

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Brickell . Christopher . The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants . 2008 . 570 . Dorling Kindersley . United Kingdom . 9781405332965.
  2. News: How to grow Ipomoea lobata. Val Bourne. The Telegraph. 29 October 2010. 4 April 2017.
  3. Web site: RHS Plantfinder - Ipomoea lobata . 13 March 2018.
  4. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 53 . Royal Horticultural Society . 13 March 2018.
  5. https://www.agromatica.es/lantana-camara/ Lantana camara: descubre una flor irresistible para tu jardín