Cypress Vine & Cardinal Climber

Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit)

Scientific Name: Ipomoea quamoclit
Common Names: Cypress Vine, Star Glory, Cardinal Climber, Hummingbird Vine

Native to: Central and South America
Lighting Requirements: Full sun
Height: 10 to 15 feet (as a climbing vine)
Width: 3 to 4 feet (spreading habit)
Winter Look: Annual that regrows from seed
Seasonal Interest: Small, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, white, or pink with a star-shaped appearance; blooms from summer to fall
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry periods once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9–11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
Deer Resistance: Moderate; generally avoided by deer
Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
Potential Issues: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and mildew; needs regular maintenance to prevent excessive spread
Notes: Cypress Vine is a fast-growing, twining vine known for its attractive, star-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Cypress Vine thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, though it prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

Cardinal Climber formerly Ipomoea x multifida, now correctly called Ipomoea sloteri

Scientific Name: Ipomoea x multifida   
Common Names: Cardinal Climber, Scarlet Morning Glory, Red Star Vine, Cypress Vine

Native to: Hybrid species, but the parent plants are native to Central and South America (hybrid of  Ipomoea coccinea and Ipomoea quamoclit)
Lighting Requirements: Full sun
Height: 8 to 15 feet (as a climbing vine)
Width: 3 to 4 feet (spreads moderately)
Winter Look: Annual that regrows from seed
Seasonal Interest: Bright, red, tubular flowers resembling those of the cypress vine; blooms from summer to fall
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; requires regular moisture but can tolerate dry spells once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9–11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
Deer Resistance: Moderate; typically avoided by deer
Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Potential Issues: Can attract aphids, spider mites, and mildew; needs regular pruning to keep under control
Notes: Cardinal Climber is a vigorous, fast-growing vine that offers bright red, tubular flowers that resemble those of its relative, the Cypress Vine. The flowers' striking color and tubular shape make it an excellent choice for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.