Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × multifida)
The Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × multifida) is a vigorous annual vine prized for its bright red blooms highly attractive to hummingbirds. Thriving in full sun, this low-maintenance hybrid reaches 10-15 ft.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ipomoea × multifida, widely recognized as the Cardinal climber, is a stunning, vigorous annual vine perfect for adding dramatic vertical interest to the summer garden. This hybrid, resulting from a cross between two popular morning glories, delights gardeners with its finely textured, deeply divided foliage and brilliant red, tubular flowers. Its rapid growth and vibrant color palette make the Cardinal climber an essential choice for temporary summer screening or covering structures.
Valued for its low maintenance needs and exceptional ability to attract nectar-loving wildlife, the Ipomoea × multifida offers spectacular color from midsummer right up until the first hard frost. It establishes quickly, though gardeners in cooler regions should start seeds indoors early to maximize the growing season for this heat-loving specimen.
If you seek a fast-growing, high-impact vine for a sunny location, the display offered by the Cardinal climber is difficult to match. Ensure you provide sturdy support, as this twining vine will quickly scramble upwards, rewarding you with continuous blooms and serving as a dynamic focal point throughout the season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Convolvulaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-15 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: July to frost
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Successful cultivation of the Cardinal climber begins with providing adequate warmth and support. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks prior to your area’s average last frost date, as germination can be slow. To boost germination rates, scarify the seed coat and soak the seeds for several hours before planting. Plant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm up consistently.
For best performance, Ipomoea × multifida thrives in rich, well-draining soil kept evenly moist. While it tolerates some partial shade, full sun exposure is necessary to ensure a truly showy floral display comparable to its parent species. Once established, maintain a medium watering schedule, avoiding overly saturated conditions which can lead to root issues.
The Cardinal climber requires substantial support; plan on installing a trellis, arbor, or sturdy netting before planting nearby. Since it is an annual in most regions, seasonal attention focuses on ensuring consistent moisture during dry spells. Be aware that in warmer climates, this plant can readily reseed, potentially becoming aggressive if volunteers are not monitored and removed in the spring.
Landscape Uses
The impressive vertical reach of the Ipomoea × multifida makes it ideal for covering large structures or maximizing limited garden space. These vines excel when grown through mesh fencing, over pergolas, or trained up tall trellises to create a stunning, living wall of color. Use the Cardinal climber as a dramatic vertical accent in large mixed borders where its height won’t overcrowd smaller companions.
Due to their annual nature and rapid growth, they function excellently as temporary screens or backdrops for summer patios. Consider planting the Cardinal climber near seating areas where the activity of visiting hummingbirds can be easily observed. Furthermore, this vibrant vine performs reliably when grown in a very large container, provided adequate drainage and consistent moisture are maintained.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ipomoea × multifida, commonly known as cardinal climber, is an annual twining vine that results from the crossing of two Ipomoea species: I. Quamoclit (cypress vine) and I. Coccinea (scarlet morning glory). Mature vines can reach up to 15’ tall and around 1’ wide. The deeply dissected, finely textured foliage can reach up to 3” long and 2” wide, providing an interesting textural contrast. The bright red, outward-facing, 2” long tubular flowers are held singly or in loose clusters of 2-5 blooms, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
The Cardinal climber is generally robust and resists most common pest and disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance profile. The primary concern gardeners face relates to its aggressive self-seeding capabilities, particularly in regions with longer, warmer growing seasons. If seedlings pop up where you do not want them next spring, simply pull them out immediately once they are large enough to handle.
Monitor for common vine pests, though major infestations are rare. Providing excellent air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent minor fungal issues common to dense foliage growth. Overall, managing the vigor of Ipomoea × multifida is mostly about providing adequate structure rather than intensive problem management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cardinal climber suitable for?
The Ipomoea × multifida is exceptionally versatile, successfully growing as an annual in USDA Zones 3 through 11.
How large does Cardinal climber grow?
This vigorous vine typically achieves mature heights between 10 and 15 feet, with a very slender spread generally remaining under 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Cardinal climber need?
For the richest bloom production, full sun exposure is required for the Cardinal climber, though it can tolerate light shade with reduced flowering.
When does Cardinal climber bloom?
You can expect the red flowers of Ipomoea × multifida to appear reliably from July right up until the first killing frost.
Conclusion
The Cardinal climber (Ipomoea × multifida) offers unparalleled vertical impact and serves as a magnet for hummingbirds, making it a superstar annual vine for summer gardens. With its low maintenance needs and brilliant red coloration, this plant fulfills its promise as a fast, showy grower. Before planting, ensure you have the proper support structure in place and check your local zone compatibility for the best results.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular shape and vibrant red coloration of the Ipomoea × multifida flowers are perfectly adapted for attracting North American hummingbirds. These birds favor the nectar provided by this vine throughout the summer months, turning any trellis installation into a dynamic wildlife viewing station. Planting the Cardinal climber near a patio ensures you can enjoy this natural spectacle.
Propagation Tips
Propagation for the Cardinal climber is best achieved through direct sowing of seeds after soaking, as detailed in the care instructions. While this vine readily reseeds itself in favorable conditions, gardeners wishing to maintain distinct starting locations or ensure fresh stock should save seeds collected from dried seed capsules in the fall. Scarification remains the key technique for ensuring high germination rates when starting seeds indoors or directly outdoors.
