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Spanish flag (ANNUAL VINE)

Ipomoea lobata

Common names:
Spanish flag, firecracker vine, exotic love vine

Content Detail

Spanish flag is an annual vine that, although related to morning glory, has a very different type of flower. The flowers are irregular in shape and held in upright clusters. Also known as Mina lobata.

  • Family (English) Morning glory
  • Family (botanic) Convolvulaceae
  • Tree or plant type Vine
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11
  • Shape or form Vining
  • Growth rate Fast

Size and method of climbing:

Spanish flag is an annual twining vine, but it can still grow 10 to 15 feet long. Twining vines climb by twisting their stems or leaf stalks around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires, or chain-link fences.

Native geographic location and habitat:

It is native to Mexico and South America.

Attracts birds & butterflies:

Hummingbirds are attracted to its flowers.

Leaf description:

The alternate leaves are deeply lobed, similar to those of morning glory.

Flower description:

The prolific flowers are tubular and held on upright clusters, with as many as 20 flowers per cluster. The flowers are held to one side of the flower stalk, giving the appearance of flags blowing in the wind. The flowers are orange-red as they open, but they fade to yellow and then white as they age. All colors will be present within a cluster at the same time.

Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:

The fruit is a dry capsule and not ornamentally important.

Plant care:

Spanish flag grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil and is easily grown from seed. Seeds should be nicked slightly (scarified) and then soaked overnight before planting. Start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed.

List of pests, diseases and tolerances:

No serious problems.

Citronella Spanish flag (Ipomoea lobata ‘Citronella’):

The flowers open deep yellow and fade to cream with age.

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