How to Grow Cardinal Climber
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Cardinal Climber
Ipomoea × multifida
vineCardinal climber is a vigorous annual vine known for its brilliant scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers and feathery, deeply lobed foliage. It's a hybrid morning glory that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the growing season. This fast-growing climber can reach 6-8 feet in a single season and is perfect for trellises, arbors, and garden structures.
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Example Cardinal Climber timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cardinal Climber
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cardinal Climber
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cardinal Climber dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; grown as an annual in cooler zones 3-4
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Seed Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and first true leaves emerge. Plant appears delicate with simple oval seedling leaves.
Soak seeds overnight or scarify lightly to improve germination. Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright light once sprouted.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksTrue leaves unfold with distinctive feathery, lobed characteristics beginning to appear. Vine begins climbing habit.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Provide sturdy support structure early. Begin acclimating to outdoor conditions if starting indoors.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksVine grows rapidly with extensive feathery foliage and strong climbing stems. No flowers yet. Plant can grow several inches per week.
Guide vines onto trellis or support structure. Water consistently and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Prune wayward growth if desired.
Flowering & Fruiting
8-12 weeks until frostAbundant scarlet star-shaped flowers bloom, typically opening in morning and closing by afternoon. Flowers are tubular, 1-1.5 inches across. Seed pods develop after pollination.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Continue regular watering and feeding. Monitor for pests attracted to flowers.
Seed Maturation & Decline
Until first frostFlowers diminish as temperatures drop. Seed pods mature and dry on vine. Foliage may yellow and decline.
Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired. Collect mature seed pods before heavy frost. Plant dies at first hard freeze.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove affected leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Hand-pick early morning when sluggish. Use beetle traps away from plants or apply neem oil.
Uses
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe brilliant scarlet, tubular flowers are perfectly adapted to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The abundant nectar provides essential energy for migrating species. [source]
Garden Structure Coverage
CraftFast-growing vine is ideal for quickly covering arbors, trellises, fences, and pergolas. Creates natural privacy screens and shade structures within weeks. [source]
Ornamental Garden Edible Seeds
CulinaryMature seeds can be toasted and eaten, similar to other morning glory relatives, though primarily grown for ornamental flowers rather than food production. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdFresh-cut sprigs with flowers can be used in vase arrangements, though flowers close by afternoon. Best used in bouquets in early morning. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalMorning glory family plants have been used in traditional medicine systems, though cardinal climber is primarily ornamental and use should be approached cautiously. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cardinal climber is not harvested for food. For seed saving, allow flowers to mature into brown seed pods. Collect pods when dry and papery, typically 4-6 weeks after flowering. Store seeds in cool, dry location. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cardinal climber is a hybrid of two morning glory species (Ipomoea quamoclit and Ipomoea coccinea) and was deliberately bred for its superior ornamental qualities, making it sterile or rarely producing viable seed.
- 🌱 The flower's tubular shape and scarlet color are specifically evolved to attract hummingbirds, which are the primary pollinators in its native range; the tube is perfectly sized for a hummingbird's beak.
- 🌱 Individual flowers open in early morning and close by afternoon, creating a daily flower show; on cool, cloudy days, flowers may stay open longer, and on hot days they close earlier.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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