THE Scottish flame flower Tropaeolum speciosum is much sought after. This herbaceous climber, which grows from stringy, fleshy, tuberous roots, can be slow and difficult to establish. In a heavy soil, it will be happy and it isn't concerned about acidity or alkalinity in spite of what you may read. The secret is to avoid hot, well drained, sandy positions.
Now is the time to move or plant roots. Some roots acquired from established plants should settle in readily if planted within the next few weeks.
Meantime, there are nice bulbs in the shops - miniature gladioli and lilies are still in supply - so buy now. Lilies especially should be planted without delay. It is often much easier to control the growing conditions for lilies by planting in pots. Then a nice, open, loamy mixture can be made up, with care being given to drainage. Lilies can be difficult; disease and pest's too often take a heavy toll, so any extra care the gardener can give will be appreciated The added advantage of growing lilies in pots is their mobility and they can be placed temporarily near a door or window when in flower.