cardinal climber annual or perennial

Is Cardinal Climber an Annual or Perennial?

Cardinal climber is one of those eye-catching vines that gardeners love to grow for its bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. But before you plant it, you may be wondering – is cardinal climber an annual or a perennial?

The answer is that cardinal climber is an annual vine. That means it completes its entire lifecycle in one growing season. Here are some key facts about cardinal climber’s growth habit:

• Cardinal climber grows rapidly, producing lush foliage and abundant flowers in a single summer. It does not survive winters in cold climates.

• It grows quickly from seed, blooming prolifically from midsummer until frost. The plant dies off completely with the first hard freeze in fall.

• To enjoy cardinal climber’s red blooms year after year, new plants must be grown from seed annually. The vines do not come back the following spring.

• In USDA plant hardiness zones 10-12, cardinal climber may self-seed and return on its own. But in most climates, it behaves as an annual.

Why is Cardinal Climber an Annual?

There are a few reasons why this vine acts as a fast-growing annual rather than a perennial:

• It has a tropical ancestry, being native to parts of Central and South America. Most plants from tropical climates cannot handle freezing winter temperatures.

• Cardinal climber is the result of hybridization between two tender tropical vines – cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) and red morning glory (Ipomoea coccinea). It has inherited the same sensitivity to cold.

• The vines and roots are killed off when temperatures dip below freezing. In zones 8 and colder, cardinal climber will never survive the winter. Only in the warmest zones (9-11) does it sometimes return from self-sown seeds the following year.

How to Grow Cardinal Climber as an Annual

While cardinal climber won’t come back each spring on its own, you can easily grow it as a fast and prolific annual vine. Here’s a quick overview:

• Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Soak or nick the large seeds to aid germination.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost. Space plants 12″ apart in full sun. Provide a strong trellis or support for the vigorous vines.

• Grow in moist, well-drained soil. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly if soil is poor. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

• Flowers bloom in mid to late summer. Deadheading is not necessary. Collect seeds for next year’s crop before first fall frost.

• In zone 10 and warmer, cardinal climber often self-sows. Monitor for unwanted spread if this is a concern. Remove volunteers to control.

• Grow new plants each year for seasonal color. Start seeds indoors or directly in the garden after your last spring frost date.

The Payoff of Growing Cardinal Climber

While it takes a bit more effort to grow cardinal climber as an annual, most gardeners find it’s worth it. The fast growth, easy care, and weeks of hummingbird-attracting red blooms make this vine a great addition to beds, borders, and containers.

Within one season, a single cardinal climber plant can easily cover a fence or arbor with lush greenery and flowers. The distinctive maple-like leaves and abundant nectar are real standouts.

By growing cardinal climber from seed yearly, you can continue enjoying this tropical-looking beauty as a fast and carefree annual vine. Just be sure to collect fresh seeds each fall from spent plants.

So while technically tender perennials, these hybrid vines reliably grow and thrive as fast and prolific annuals. With their rapid growth, heat-loving nature, and lack of cold hardiness, cardinal climbers are best treated as colorful, fast-growing annual vines in all but the warmest climates.