PlantFiles: Flame Creeper, Flame Nasturtium
Tropaeolum speciosum

Very challenging germination from seed.
I sowed in mid June under hot conditions (average 76F/24.5C) and germination took place 8 months later in mid February (average temperature 49F/9.5C).
Only one seed germinated (out of 10) and the seedling was very thin. It grew normally untill mid June that the weather warmed up. Growing stopped when average temperature reached 77F/25C and during our very hot July (80F/27C) the leaves gradually died and in August all the plant died.
From what i' ve read small plants can' t tolerate overwatering.
I must admit that sometimes i watered the plant more often than i should.
But i am sure that young plants are also very sensitive to heat.
The seeds that i have sown last year may still germinate(can take up to 2 years!), so i still water their pots.

I read on one site that it is considered a naturalized weed and can be invasive.

It is a delightful small climber which wends its way into and aroud small shrubs.
It needs to have its feet in the shade and its head in the sun
It self-seeds when in congenial surroundings.
Mine are still in flower at the end of September, rambling away in a largish rose bush and in some clipped yews.

This plant grows in all the borders where I work in the UK and as can been seen is quite spectacular between the end of June and well into July.

I met this beautiful climber in a camp site on the North Island of New Zealand, where it was growing semi-wild, scrambling over many shrubs. It was taller than the 3 metres given above, and I had great difficulty getting close enough to photograph the flowers.

The masses of red flowers give a wonderful display, and I would love to try growing it, but have been unable to locate a source of seeds or plants in Australia.