Ipomoea quamoclit (Cardinal Climber)

Native to tropical America, Ipomoea quamoclit (Cardinal Climber) is a tender twining vine with attractive fern-like foliage and fiery, scarlet flowers. Each green leaf is finely divided into slender threads, giving the foliage a ferny appearance. Blooming in small cymes from early summer to early fall, the tubular flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), are star-shaped, flaring open at the mouth into a five-pointed star. They are an excellent source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Native to tropical America, Ipomoea quamoclit (Cardinal Climber) is a tender twining vine with attractive fern-like foliage and fiery, scarlet flowers. Each green leaf is finely divided into slender threads, giving the foliage a ferny appearance. Blooming in small cymes from early summer to early fall, the tubular flowers, 1 in. across (2 cm), are star-shaped, flaring open at the mouth into a five-pointed star. They are an excellent source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Particularly vigorous and fast-growing, Cardinal Climber is perfect to hide an unforgiving fence, climb a wall, or scramble through arbors and trellises. Give it room to grow and watch it head for the sky!

  • This tropical vine will twine its soft stems up to 6-15 ft. tall in one season (180-450 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). Self-seeds easily without being invasive
  • Thrives in full sun in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates dry conditions but performs best in moist soils.
  • Deer resistant but attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
  • Perfect to cover pergolas, walls, or fences.
  • Propagate by seed: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, or outdoors after frost danger has passed. Before planting, nick the hard-coated seeds with a file or soak them overnight in warm water.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. No pruning required
  • Native to tropical America.
  • This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 11
– 12

Heat Zones 6
– 11

Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Climbers
Plant Family Ipomoea – Morning Glories
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6'
– 15'
(180cm
– 4.5m)
Spread 3'
– 6'
(90cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden