Autumn blooming vines add vertical interest, color, and pizzazz to the garden up to the first frost. One vine sure to be a conversation piece is Spanish flag, Ipomoea lobata. This favorite of gardeners goes by several other common names: firecracker vine and exotic love.

The tender perennial is grown as an annual in the Midlands. The native Mexican clockwise twining vine needs the support of a fence, trellis, arbor, lattice, or pergola to reach its potential height of 20 feet. The vine has been used on occasion as a groundcover like its next of kin, the sweet potato vine.

Generally gardeners sow seeds indoors in Feb- ruary before transplanting to a full sun location in spring. Seed coats are tough so seeds need to be scarified or soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Because the plant does not fare well when transplanted, sow seed in peat pots to reduce root shock at transplanting.

Seed may be sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. The plant tolerates a soil pH of from 5.5- 7.5. It grows in both sandy loam and clay loam soils. Blooming commences in late summer.

The tropical vine is spectacular from late summer until the first frost. Flowers have an unusual appearance and are quite showy. From the blooms one would never know this plant is related to the morning glory. Sprays of tubular flowers start out as red before turning to orange, yellow, and white.

Deadhead spent blooms to keep flowers coming. Save some seed to share with those who admire the exotic flowers. The vine will self- sow if not deadheaded. Humming- birds, bees and butterflies find the flowers irresistible, but deer leave the plant alone.

Since Spanish flag likes a moist environment, mulch vines and water occasionally.

Several cultivars have been bred to have special characteristics. "Jungle Queen" is made to fit in hanging baskets or containers since it spreads only five feet. "Citronella" has totally créme flowers. "Mexican fiesta" has fiery red and yellow blossoms.

Most garden centers in Columbia do not stock the plant, but one spectacular fall flowering vine is on display at Millcreek Nursery on Leesburg Road. Spanish flag's unopened blossoms resemble ripening chili peppers. Flowers start as red before changing to orange, yel low, and white. Three- lobed leaves resemble close cousins like the sweet potato vine.
Seed sources
for Spanish Flag
www.jungleseeds.com
www.reneesgarden.com
www.seedman.com
www.selectseeds.com
www.summerhillseeds.com
www.superseeds.com