Species cardinal climber
red, star-like flowers with white stamens, green stems, and green, deeply lobed, palmate-shaped leaves

cardinal climber

Ipomoea sloteri

Cardinal climber, also known as Ipomoea sloteri, is a flowering, tropical-looking vine that grows brilliant red, funnel-shaped blossoms. It flourishes in high light environments such as balconies and brought ground-level gardens with full sun exposure. A tender perennial, it will die in cold temperatures, however, it will reappear in the spring with velvety, round-lobed, oak-like foliage. It is generally pest and disease-free and requires regular watering with occasional fertilizing to keep it healthy and blooming. Give it support from a trellis, wire mesh, fence or wall to climb, and enjoy vibrant cardinal flowers all season long.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Ipomoea sloteri, or cardinal climber, typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Ipomoea sloteri, or cardinal climber, typically begins flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map