Cardinal Climber

Ipomoea sloteri 

(aka Ipomoea × multifida)

Overview

Uses: Climbing flowering vine

Benefits: Bright, beautiful red flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. 

Zones: 10 - 12 (Grown as an annual in colder zones)

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Life Cycle: Perennial (Grown as an annual in colder zones)

Mature Height: Vines grow as long and can climb up to 15 feet 

Mature Width: 12"

Summary

Ipomoea sloteri—often called Ipomoea × multifida, and commonly called both Cardinal Climber, and Cypress vine—is an annual flowering vine that's known for its small, bright red flowers that hummingbirds absolutely love. 

Although it's commonly referred to as Cypress Vine, Cardinal Climber is actually a cross between Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) and Morning Glory Vine (Ipomoea coccinea), which it's also sometimes called. 

It's easy to see the result of the cross of the two species when looking at their respective foliage. The leaves of Cardinal Climber are a combination of the needle-like leaves of Ipomoea quamoclit, and the full heart-shaped leaves of Ipomoea coccinea. 

Cardinal Climber is a fast grower, especially in hot weather! Expect at least 10' of growth, with some growing over 15' tall.

It's great at climbing all types of things such as trellises, houses, fences, and trees.

Ipomoea sloteri will form seeds in early fall, which can be harvested for planting next year. 

Care

Cardinal Climber Care

Ipomoea × multifida is typically grown as an outdoor plant, although it's sometimes grown as an indoor annual or a patio plant. 

Cardinal Climber loves full sun, and also thrives in partial shade. 

Fertilize as required, especially if planted in poor soil. It's best to fertilize Cardinal Climber with 1/2 strength fertilizer, as it's a light feeder.  Our slow release plant food is a great fertilizer for Cardinal Climber and many of our other plants!

Keep its soil moist, but not wet. Irrigate during establishment, and during periods of drought. 

Does best and grows fastest in humid conditions when the temperatures are above 80°F. Do not plant when soil temperatures are below 55°F. 

This is not a frost tolerant plant. 

Size

Size of Cardinal Climber for Sale Online

The Ipomoea sloteri that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Cardinal Climber When Fully Grown

Ipomoea sloteri typically grows to a mature length of between 10' to 15', and a width of around 12". 

Additional Information

Common Names of Ipomoea sloteri

• Cardinal Climber

• Hearts and Honey Vine

• Morning Glory

• Cypress Vine

Toxicity and Risks of Cardinal Climber

Ipomoea sloteri is known for its toxicity to both people and to pets.

Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, muscle and chest tightness, and numbness may occur after ingestion of this plant, especially its seeds. 

Additionally, the seeds are known to contain lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which may cause dilated pupils, drowsiness, and hallucinations.