Ipomoea - Cardinal Climber

Feathery, fiery, and absolutely irresistible to hummingbirds, Cardinal Climber is a dazzling little firecracker of a vine for the summer garden. Its brilliant scarlet-red tubular flowers shine like tiny sparks against delicate, ferny foliage, giving the whole plant a light, lacy, almost sparkling quality. Fast-growing and full of motion, it brings instant vertical excitement without ever feeling bulky or overwhelming.

This twining annual vine is listed at about 12 to 24 inches tall, but its slender stems can climb or trail far beyond that with support, often reaching 6 to 15 feet in a season. Give it a trellis, fence, obelisk, arch, porch railing, or roomy container, and it will eagerly scramble upward, weaving a graceful screen of fine green foliage and jewel-bright bloom. The vivid red flowers are especially gorgeous near blue salvias, yellow daisies, ornamental grasses, morning glories, and other heat-loving annuals, where they add a joyful flash of color and hummingbird activity.

Plant Cardinal Climber in full sun with regular water and provide support early so the twining stems have something to grab. Easy, quick, and wonderfully animated, this classic summer vine is perfect for adding height, softness, and a little scarlet magic to warm-season gardens. Explore more climbers in our Vines collection.