On 09/03/2014 11:19, Nick Maclaren wrote:
I have tried twice in the past to get Tropaeolum speciosum
established, and failed dismally both times due to warm to hot,
dry periods during much of the summer. The recent cool, wet
ones (this is Cambridge) have made me think.

If I tried again, what chance would I have? Fat, slim, or
what?

They are strange plants. When happy, you almost need a machete to keep
them under control. But they are very rarely happy. :-(

After many years of trying, I got one to grow well against a
north-facing wall, in clay next to concrete foundations, ie on the
alkaline side. That's against what most sources say - moist but
well-drained soil, acid to neutral. It flowered well for a couple of
years, and then that was that.

If you can afford it, and really want one, I would get three and try
them in different soils (but all on the damp side), and grow them in a
way usually advised for clematis - roots cool, but tops in sun. But
always keep them damp during dry spells - I doubt that you could
overwater them on your soil. And, although I've never tried it, I
wonder if spraying the whole plant with water in hot, dry, weather would
be of benefit

--

Jeff