Cardinal Climber is a vibrant annual twining vine that results from the deliberate crossing of cypress vine and scarlet morning glory, creating a plant that's equal parts botanical achievement and garden showstopper. Growing 10 to 15 feet tall in a single season, it produces brilliant red tubular flowers held singly or in loose clusters from June through frost, each bloom precisely engineered to welcome hummingbirds. The finely textured, deeply dissected foliage creates an elegant backdrop for flowers that arrive 84 to 98 days after sowing. Hardy in zones 3 through 11, this vine thrives in full sun with moderate water and minimal maintenance, rewarding patient gardeners who give seeds the pre-treatment they need to germinate reliably.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
3-11
180in H x 12in W
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High
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The bright red, outward-facing tubular flowers held singly or in loose clusters of 2 to 5 blooms create an unmistakable display that hummingbirds visit repeatedly throughout the growing season. Seeds germinate slowly and require scarification and soaking to break dormancy reliably, but once established, the vine produces vigorous growth with delicate, finely textured foliage that never feels overwhelming. This is a true annual hybrid that flowers consistently from midsummer until the first hard frost, providing weeks of reliable color without disease or pest pressure.
Cardinal Climber is grown as an ornamental annual vine for vertical gardening, trellis work, and seasonal color. The showy red flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the growing season, making it a natural choice for wildlife gardens or containers on patios and decks where hummingbird activity can be observed closely. The vine's manageable width (6 to 12 inches) and twining habit allow it to cover pergolas, arbors, and fence sections without becoming unwieldy, providing seasonal vertical interest that dies back completely each winter in colder zones.
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Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, which is particularly important in climates with shorter growing seasons. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in pots and keep the soil at 65 to 80°F. Before sowing, nick or file the seed coat and soak the seeds in warm water for 8 hours to speed germination, which typically occurs within 5 to 14 days. Allow seedlings to develop before transplanting outdoors after the last frost date has completely passed.
Transplant seedlings outdoors only once the threat of frost has completely passed. Harden off seedlings before moving them to their permanent location. Space plants 1 inch apart in full sun with well-draining, evenly moist, rich soil.
Direct sow 2 weeks after your last spring frost when soil temperatures have warmed adequately. Nick or file the seed coat and soak seeds in warm water for 8 hours before sowing. Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
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“Cardinal Climber is the result of deliberate, intentional interspecific hybridization between two Ipomoea species: I. quamoclit, commonly known as cypress vine, and I. coccinea, called scarlet morning glory. This crossing produced a plant that combines the fine, delicate foliage of cypress vine with the prolific flowering habit and scarlet coloring of scarlet morning glory, creating something neither parent alone could offer. The hybrid has been preserved as an heirloom cultivar, maintaining its vigor and distinctive characteristics for generations of gardeners seeking a reliable annual climber with exceptional ornamental value.”