Ipomoea lobata

Firecracker Vine, Spanish Flag
Ipomoea lobata
Type: Annual Climber
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

This vigorous climber is a  great choice if you’re looking to add some vertical interest and hot color to your late summer garden. A native of Mexico and South America, it stays true to its southern heritage with tropical-looking, three lobed, deeply cut leaves on vines that will grow as high as 10ft (3m). Late summer sees the arrival of brilliant red, tooth-shaped flowers arranged in a graceful formation along the underside of their stems. As these age, they fade to orange, salmon, yellow and finally to white. This procession means that there are usually multiple colors present at any given time within the bloom period, which extends into fall. Also, I’m told hummingbirds love these.

Fun Fact: Although related to the reprehensible Ipomoea purpurea, which is better known as Morning Glory and is very invasive around here, this guy is well behaved and won’t take over your garden.

Cheers,

John