Mina Lobata plants, popularly called Spanish Flag flowers, is a perennial vining plant. It is often grown as an annual in colder regions. Native to Central and South America, Spanish Flag vines are a member of the Morning Glory family. It is one of the most popular climbing vines. And, growing Spanish Flag vines is easy.
Mina Lobata is very popular The showy flowers of this fast climber, will bloom all year round, in tropical regions. The tubular flowers change color. Blooms start out a scarlet red, turn orange, and finish up a creamy yellow after blooming.
Mina Lobata’s nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Flowers Bloom: Summer to Fall
Other Names: Spanish Flag, Exotic Love Vine, Fire Vine, Firecracker Vine
Plant Height: up to 18 feet.
Perennial, Ipomoea Lobata flowers
Mina Lobata plants are grown from seeds. Directly sow Spanish Flag seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed up. You can start plants indoors, 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area.
The young plants are frost tender. Transplant seedling outdoors after the low temperatures exceed 40-45 degrees.
Garden Tip: Nick Spanish Flag seeds, or soak overnight, to improve germination.
Spanish Flag can also be propagated by rooting stem cuttings.
Days to Germination: seeds sprout in 10 – 15 days.
These plants are easy to grow and fast-growing.
Grow Mina Lobata plants in full sun.
Plants grow best in a rich, humus soil that is well-drained. Mix plenty of compost and manure into the planting site.
Do not overfeed nitrogen-rich fertilizer, or you will end up with lots of leaves and vines, but few flowers. Begin the season with a high nitrogen fertilizer formula at the beginning of the season. Switch to a high phosphorous formula before the blooming period.
Spanish Flag vines are heat and drought tolerant.
Keep soil moist, water as needed, and especially during hot, dry periods.
Mulch around plants to keep weeds down, and for a neat and tidy appearance.
Provide a trellis, fence, or arbor for the vines to climb.
Red spider mites and whiteflies can be a problem. Apply insecticide or insecticidal soap at the first sign of insect s. More on insect problems.
Several plant problems can arise, including white blister, rust, fungal leaf spots, and wilts. Apply fungicides, as needed.
Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5.
Also, people who read this article will like:
Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.
©1999-2024 GardenersNet.Com, All Rights Reserved