My third attempt at growing flame creeper or Scottish flame flower (Tropaeolum speciosum) appears to be a success, with three buds about to open. I think the buds look like tiny pterodactyls:
This plant apparently grows with abandon in parts of the UK where the weather is similar to Western Washington. Despite this, it's extremely difficult to locate this species in the US. It's also reportedly difficult to establish (I can corroborate this) and fickle about being transplanted.
This plant is growing in part shade in a small pot in sharply draining soil and has scaled about 10' / 3m up an evergreen hydrangea (Hydrangea seemannii) which clings to my chimney. It was unaffected by last winter's mild frosts and remained evergreen. Unlike the annual nasturtium, it appears to be unaffected by aphids.
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