Scientific Name
Ipomoea sloteri (House) Ooststr.
Common Name(s)
Cardinal Climber
Synonym(s)
Ipomoea × sloteri, Quamoclit sloteri, Quamoclit × sloteri, Ipomoea × multifida
Scientific Classification
Family: Convolvulaceae
Tribe: Ipomoeeae
Genus: Ipomoea
Origin
This plant is a hybrid, an allotetraploid created by Logan Sloter of Columbus, Ohio, who crossed (by hand pollination) Red Morning Glory (Ipomoea coccinea) and Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) as the pollen parent), both native to Central and South America.
Flower
Color: Bright red
Bloom Time: Midsummer and continues until the plant is killed by frost
Description
Ipomoea sloteri is a frost-tender annual vine with triangular medium green leaves divided into numerous deep narrow lobes of varying numbers (usually 3 to 7 pairs plus one wider terminal lobe), resembling little palm leaves. It grows up to 10 feet (3 m) long, growing slowly under cool conditions, then rapidly growing and blooming in hot, humid weather. The slender, flattened stems intertwine and tangle amongst themselves or whatever they are rambling up or over.
It begins blooming in mid-summer and continues until the plant is killed by frost. Flowers are bright red and trumpet-shaped with yellow or white throats.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most species have spectacular, colorful flowers and are often grown as ornamentals, and many cultivars have been developed. In the garden, Ipomoeas need moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Provide shelter from the wind. Prune climbing species in spring. Under glass, provide full light with protection from the hottest sun. Water the plants freely and fertilize monthly during the growing season, but water sparingly in winter. Climbers and trailing species need support. Chip seeds with a knife, scrape with sandpaper or soak in water for 24 hours before sowing at 64° F (18° C) in spring.
Root softwood cuttings of perennials or shrubs in spring or summer, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. White blister, rust, fungal leaf spots, stem rot, thread blight, charcoal rot, and wilt can occur.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Ipomoea.
Links
- Back to genus Ipomoea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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