Ipomoea × multifida
cardinal climber
Tropical America (garden hybrid origin)
Overview
Ipomoea x multifida, the cardinal climber, is a hybrid annual vine between I. quamoclit and I. coccinea. It climbs by twining to 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) in a single season, with slender stems that wrap around supports. The leaves are deeply and finely divided into narrow segments, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, giving a feathery outline intermediate between the threadlike cypress vine and the broader-leaved parent. Tubular flowers, about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) wide, open red with a white throat and flare into five shallow lobes. Bloom runs from midsummer until frost, with flowers opening in the morning and closing by afternoon. The vine grows quickly in warm weather but is killed by the first hard frost. Seeds are hard-coated and toxic if eaten. It self-sows in mild regions and can return from dropped seed the following year.
Native Range
Ipomoea x multifida is a hybrid of garden origin rather than a wild species. Its parent species I. quamoclit and I. coccinea are native to tropical America, from Mexico through Central and South America.Suggested Uses
Used on trellises, arbors, fences, and as a fast screen for summer. The red flowers draw hummingbirds and butterflies. Plants are spaced 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart along a support.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red with white throatFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in moist, well-drained soil of average fertility, tolerating a soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Water needs are medium, with even moisture supporting steady growth and bloom. As a warm-season annual, it is sown after the last frost when the soil has warmed, and it is killed by the first hard frost in autumn. A support such as a trellis or netting is needed for the twining stems. Rich soil promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers, so lean ground suits flowering. The hard-coated seeds germinate faster after soaking overnight.Pruning
Pinching the growing tips early encourages branching and a fuller vine. Spent flowers drop on their own and need no removal. Stems are cleared away after the first frost kills the plant.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to pets and humansPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
After the last frost when soil has warmed, in late spring
Days to Maturity
65–75 days
Plant Spacing
9 inches