About Ipomoea lobata (Cerv.) Thell.
Ipomoea lobata, commonly known as fire vine, firecracker vine, or Spanish flag, was formerly classified as Mina lobata. It is a species of flowering plant in the Convolvulaceae family, native to Mexico and Brazil.
This plant is a perennial climbing vine that can grow up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. It is often cultivated as an annual plant in temperate regions. It has toothed, lobed leaves, which is the source of its specific epithet lobata. It produces one-sided racemes of flowers; newly opened flowers are red, and fade through yellow, cream, to white as they age. This color gradient runs the full length of the flower spike. This gradient creates an effect similar to a firework, which gives the plant the common name firecracker vine. The mix of red and pale tones vaguely resembles the red and gold of Spain's national flag, which gives it the other common name Spanish flag.
Ipomoea lobata needs a minimum temperature of 5 °C (41 °F), and grows best in a warm, sheltered location with full sun, facing either equatorial or west. This species has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is closely related to two other popular, award-winning climbing plants: Ipomoea indica (blue dawn flower) and Ipomoea tricolor (morning glory). Note that the common name "Spanish flag" is also used for Lantana camara, an ornamental shrub.
