Canary Creeper Tropaeolum peregrinum
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Canary Creeper has a distinctive and ornamental appearance, making it a favorite for gardeners looking for vibrant color and unique floral shape. The leaves of Canary Creeper are round and have a green hue with a slight paleness that makes them look somewhat soft or muted. The edges of the leaves may be gently lobed or wavy, creating an attractive and delicate texture. However, it is the flowers of the Canary Creeper that are truly extraordinary. They burst forth in a bright shade of yellow that is reminiscent of the feathers of a canary, which is where the plant gets its common name. The flowers have a whimsical, fringed look, featuring petals that are finely dissected into narrow lobes, giving the appearance of a bird's plumage or perhaps even small flames dancing around the central bloom. This frilly aspect lends the flowers a playful and exotic charm. The vines of the Canary Creeper, to which the flowers are attached, are slender and climbing, allowing the plant to twine gracefully around any supports provided, such as trellises, fences, or arbors. This enables the Canary Creeper to create a cascading veil of greenery and vivid blossoms when well cultivated, often used to add vertical interest or to cover unsightly structures in the garden. Overall, the Canary Creeper's distinctive foliage and radiant, fringed yellow flowers make it a visually striking plant that can bring a touch of the tropical to temperate gardens where it can be grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Tropaeolaceae
Synonyms
Canary Creeper, Canary Bird Vine, Canary Bird Flower, Canary Nasturtium
Common names
Chymocarpus peregrinus, Tropaeolum speciosum, Trophaeum peregrinum.
ToxicityTo humans
Tropaeolum peregrinum, commonly known as canary creeper, is not considered poisonous to humans. Generally, Tropaeolum species, which includes nasturtiums, are known for their edible flowers and leaves, which are often used in salads for their peppery taste. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause adverse reactions in some people, but canary creeper is not known to be toxic and is not associated with serious poisoning symptoms upon ingestion.
To pets
Canary creeper (Tropaeolum peregrinum) is not known to be toxic to pets. As with humans, this plant is part of the Tropaeolum genus, and many Tropaeolum species are not toxic and have edible parts. However, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as they can sometimes cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction, depending on the animal's individual sensitivity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Canary Creeper has bright, attractive flowers and unique foliage that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: It is known to be an undemanding plant, tolerant of poor soils and requires minimal care once established.
- Rapid Growth: The plant grows quickly, which makes it useful for covering unsightly features or providing quick privacy as a screen.
- Pollinator Attraction: The vivid flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants.
- Edibility: The leaves and flowers are edible, with a peppery flavor, and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Tropaeolum peregrinum has been reported to have antibacterial properties that may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.
- Antifungal: There is some evidence suggesting that the plant may possess antifungal activities against certain fungal strains.
- Expectorant: Traditionally, the plant has been used for its expectorant properties to help relieve respiratory conditions by expelling phlegm and mucus from the airways.
- Wound healing: The plant's extract has been used in folk medicine to promote the healing of wounds, thanks to its potential antimicrobial and regenerative qualities.
- Immunostimulant: It is believed to have immunostimulant effects, potentially aiding the body in fighting off infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a trap crop, Tropaeolum peregrinum (commonly known as Peruvian Lily) can lure aphids away from more valuable plants in the garden, acting as a form of pest management.
- In drama or theater, the vibrant flowers of the Peruvian Lily are used to create naturalistic settings or as costume adornments to evoke a sense of the wild or tropical.
- The colorful leaves and flowers can be used in art projects, such as nature printing or botanical illustration, where their shapes and colors provide unique patterns and accents.
- The stems and tendrils of the Peruvian Lily can be woven or braided into decorative wreaths and garlands for festive occasions.
- In the culinary industry, the bright blossoms may be used as a natural food dye, giving a soft orange to yellow tint to dishes.
- Edible parts of the Peruvian Lily are sometimes candied or used as elegant, edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Due to its rapid growth, Peruvian Lily can be planted for educational purposes in schools to teach children about plant biology and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
- The plant can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth of certain vegetables or deter pests from more sensitive crops.
- Peruvian Lily petals can be scattered in ponds and water features to create a floating floral display, taking advantage of their buoyant nature.
- The juice from Peruvian Lily leaves and stems can be used as a natural dye for textiles, imparting a subtle greenish hue.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Canary Creeper is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Canary Creeper is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Victory in Battle: Tropaeolum peregrinum, commonly known as the Canary Creeper, carries a meaning of triumph and success akin to a trophy, implied by its genus name "Tropaeolum," which is derived from the Greek trophy-like feel.
- Courage: The bright, bold colors of the Canary Creeper symbolize courage and bravery, encouraging a spirit of daring and adventure.
- Patriotism: In some contexts, the vivid colors of the Canary Creeper have been used to represent love for one’s country or national pride, possibly due to their resemblance to the golden colors found in many national flags.
WaterCanary creeper should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant approximately once a week with one gallon of water, depending on the climate and weather conditions. It's particularly important to monitor soil moisture during hot, dry periods and increase watering if necessary. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. It's best to water the plant in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the foliage to evaporate during the day.
LightCanary creeper thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal, although it can tolerate some light dappled shade. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this will result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. Morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureCanary creeper prefers a temperate range with ideal growing temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can be harmful. In cooler climates, the plant might not survive freezing temperatures and should be protected or brought indoors.
PruningPrune Canary creeper to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flowers to promote new blooms. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Pruning can be done as often as needed to control the size of the plant or to rejuvenate older plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCanary Creeper thrives in a well-draining soil mix with peat, loam, and sand, ensuring proper aeration and drainage. The best soil pH for Canary Creeper is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingCanary Creeper should be repotted every one to two years, or when you observe roots outgrowing the current pot. This promotes healthy growth and prevents root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingCanary Creeper prefers moderate to high humidity levels; ideal humidity for Canary Creeper is between 50-70%, avoiding overly dry air which can lead to leaf desiccation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Canary Creeper in a bright spot with support for climbing.
Outdoor
Plant Canary Creeper in sun, shield from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleTropaeolum peregrinum, commonly known as the Canary Creeper, begins life as a seed that germinates in spring when the soil warms, growing best in full sun to partial shade. After germination, the seedling develops into a vine with distinctive lobed leaves, rapidly climbing or sprawling to a length of up to 10 feet, given adequate support. Throughout the summer months, the Canary Creeper produces its characteristic vibrant yellow, fringed flowers that resemble birds in flight, hence the name. These flowers are then followed by the development of seeds encased in small capsules which, when mature, may be collected or allowed to fall to the ground for self-seeding. If conditions are favorable, the Canary Creeper can become a perennial in warmer climates, otherwise, it is treated as an annual. The plant dies back with the first frosts, completing its life cycle, unless it has sown seeds for the next generation of growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The Canary Creeper, or Tropaeolum peregrinum, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for sowing the seeds is either in early spring or directly after the last frost when the soil has warmed up. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1/2 inch (about 12-13 millimeters) in well-draining soil and space them at a distance of about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Ensure they are placed in a sunny spot as Canary Creepers enjoy full sun to part shade. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 14 days. After seedlings have sprouted and grown sturdy enough to handle, thin them out or transplant them to their final growing positions, making sure they have ample support for climbing.
