The cardinal climber is a trailing annual vine with small, fragrant bright red flowers and feathery leaves. Because of their color hummingbirds love them and the plant is sometimes called the hummingbird vine. Cardinal climbers are native to Asia and South America. The cardinal climber vine is east to grow from seed and can be trained to grow on a trellis or fence. It also does well in hanging baskets. It is an annual plant, which means it will die off when the cold weather comes.
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The bright red trumpet-shaped flowers of the cardinal climber have a star shaped top and a white throat. Delicate dark green leaves nicely compliment the flower color. The quick growing cardinal climber is tolerant of heat and humidity. The vines grow an average of ten to twenty feet in a gardening season but some vines have grown as long as thirty feet. In some climates the cardinal climber can be invasive. Because of this it should be planted near a support such as a trellis so the vines can have something to climb on. In general, the cardinal climber vine does best in well-drained soil with western exposure.
The cardinal climber vine, or Ipomoea quamoclit, is in the morning glory family and is often mistaken for that flower. However, morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) have large round flowers and heart shaped leaves. Cardinal climbers are different in that the fragrant flowers are small, with narrow throats and more cone shaped. They also have lacy leaves that some liken to small palm fronds. Plant these two types of flowers near each other, as both flowers will complement the other with their varied foliage and colors.
Some gardeners use the names ‚”cardinal climber” and ‚”cypress vine” interchangeable for the same plant. Though, these are two different plants that look similar but have small differences. The cardinal climber is reported to be a hybrid developed from the cypress vine. Cypress vine leaves are slimmer and more fern-like. The seeds are also a darker black. These differences should not be problematic for the home gardener and both flowers grow under the same conditions.
Cardinal climber vines are easy to grow. They may be either started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date but they can also be seeded directly outdoors once the frost has passed. Cardinal climber seeds need to be soaked or nicked before planting because they have a hard coating. To soak the seeds, leave them in a cup of water overnight to soften them before planting. Or, scratch the surface of the seed with sandpaper to help water penetrate the surface.
To plant the cardinal climber seed make a hole in the soil about ¼ of an inch deep, drop a seed in and then cover it. Germination can take anywhere from five days to three weeks, depending on weather conditions and whether or not the seeds were soaked or scratched before planting. The plants should eventually be spaced about a foot apart.
To thrive, cardinal climbers need full sun, well-drained soil and plenty of water. The plant can grow in most types of soil but make sure it is not too rich. Soil that is overly rich will make the plant produce more foliage but fewer flowers. The plant will need a trellis or fence or other support to climb. When grown from seed, the cardinal climber vine will bloom by midsummer. Cardinal climber vines can also be propagated from cuttings and will self sow.
How to Grow Cardinal Climber
Cardinal Climber, Cypress Vine, Indian Pink
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