lobata Mina - seeds

Mina lobata or Spanish flag is an adorable climbing plant with a very exotic appearance. Its long tubular flowers bloom scarlet red, turn bright orange, and then yellow before becoming cream over time.

Mina lobata, Ipomoea lobata or Spanish flag, is a Convolvulaceae native to tropical and subtropical South America. Like many plants from these regions, it is a perennial cultivated as an annual in temperate climates because it is not very hardy. As soon as temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), it starts to wither and any frost is fatal.

In early July, a generous flowering of tubular flowers with incandescent colours begins, ending with the first cold weather. The flower buds bloom scarlet red, then bright orange, sun yellow, and finally cream. Each stem carries a series of flowers with pale to vibrant shades. The flowers release very prominent stamens with visible anthers. The buds are arranged in clusters of 9 to 12 on young purple-bronze branches. The foliage has a very unique shape with large, deep green, trilobed leaves that are deeply lobed, resembling birds of prey in flight.

From a distance, Mina lobata appears to be covered in hundreds of illuminated candles. It is a twisting climbing plant, meaning it does not use tendrils to cling to its support but wraps its stems around it. Mina lobata can therefore climb on trellises, pergolas, railings, or any support you wish to cover. It self-seeds spontaneously and abundantly.

Plant it with its roots in moderately fertile, well-drained soil and its head in the sun. Under good conditions, it can reach 2 metres (7 feet) high and spread 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16in). You can combine this beautiful plant with warm colours or with one or more sweet peas with cooler-coloured flowers. And for a Catalan-inspired garden, plant the most beautiful Crocosmia at its base.

To keep your Mina lobata for multiple seasons, you will need to grow it in a greenhouse or conservatory or store it indoors during winter.