did you know?

Spanish flag's vines, which appear to be just a loose skein of rambunctious runners, actually twine in the same direction as those of its morning glory cousins: clockwise.

general maintenance:

Provide a tripod, trellis, or pergola for climbing, or simply allow it to scramble through shrubs in the border. Tie in or pinch new growth as needed for support and to protect surrounding plants from overshading. Deadhead daily to prevent seeding and to ensure prolific bloom. Remove entire plant after first hard frost.

pests/diseases:

Aphids and whiteflies may occur.

controls:

Regularly hose off aphids with a directed stream of water, or to control aphids or whiteflies, spray plants with insecticidal soap, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

In spring, sow seeds indoors, 1/2 inch deep, 2?3 weeks before setting outside. Or direct sow 2?3 inches apart after danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Set plants at the same depth they were in pot, spacing 1 foot apart. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer weekly or a slow-release fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Spanish flag's seeds have hard seed coats. To speed germination, rub the edge of each seed with sandpaper, notch with a file, or soak for several hours in hot water before planting.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Disease Resistant

garden uses:

• Climbing
• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

combine with:

other annual vines, such as love-in-a-puff hyacinth vine and balsam vine