
cardinal climber
Ipomoea sloteri
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 11
Flowers:
Red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea sloteri) should be watered regularly to ensure its best health. It's a warm weather annual, so it needs plenty of water and nutrients during hot weather months. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Water around the base of the plant, making sure the soil has had a chance to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, water deeply once a week or as needed. In areas with hot summers, more frequent waterings may be necessary. During the winter months, water less frequently. The plant will not need as much water since it will be dormant.
sunlight
Cardinal climber (Ipomoea sloteri) plants grows best in full or partial sun and requires at least 6 hours of intense direct sun per day. Direct sunlight is necessary for the plant to reach its full growth potential and produce its vibrant and showy flowers. This plant thrives best when morning sun is rapidly increasing and the sunlight gradually diminishes later in the day. When kept in full sun, the cardinal climber flowers are more profuse with larger and more vibrant colors. When kept in partial shade the plant blooms but the flowers are fewer and smaller, and the colors are faded.
pruning
Cardinal Climbers (Ipomoea sloteri) should typically be pruned back in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should consist of removing deadwood, any weak or crossing stems, and any stems that rub against each other. Pruning should also be done to encourage bushier growth and to shape the plant. To shape the plant, prune the main stems back by half of their length. Light pruning is also recommended throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth and flowering. It is also recommended to deadhead the flowers after they have faded as this will encourage new flowers to grow.