How to Grow and Care for Nasturtium

The garden nasturtium is often associated with the "Elizabeth Linnaeus Phenomenon", an optical illusion that makes the contrasting orange flowers and green foliage appear to flash brightly as it shakes in the wind. Garden nasturtium is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The disc-shaped leaves and seed pods are edible, usually getting used as garnishes and dressings.

Flame flower is a Nasturtium that puts on a fiery show with its bright scarlet, pansy-shaped blooms. Although popular as an ornamental plant, it is difficult to establish. Nevertheless, the plant has received an Award of Garden Merit.

Tropaeolum polyphyllum is a herbaceous perennial, overwintering as a tuber deep in the soil. It sends out long rhizomes from which shoots develop which trail over the ground. These are densely covered with silvery green, deeply lobed leaves. The flower buds have inflated pale green calyces and the sepals are extended backwards into a short spur.

Where most Nasturtiums grow only single-colored reddish flowers, garden nasturtium 'Bloody Mary' produces multicolored yellow and red flowers in a variety of contrasting patterns, so they make an interesting addition to any garden. The name is likely influenced by the blood-red spatters that appear across the petals.

Garden nasturtium 'Black Velvet' is distinct for its deep red flowers. A cultivar of Tropaeolum majus, its name refers to its color, which is so dark as to appear almost black, and the texture of its petals. Gardeners love this plant for the contrast between its dark blossoms and pale leaves.