Propagation: Growing Cardinal Vine (annual) from Seed, 1 by DonnaMack

DonnaMack wrote:
There are differences in vines that have similar names. I have never had a problem with aggressiveness, but for heaven's sake don't plant "Grandpa Otts' morning glory. It's the only one I have found that's invasive. And it climbs other plants and pulls them down. And it's impossible to get rid of. It's famous because it is the seed that was the foundation of the Seed Savers Exchange

One has almost palm shaped leaved (my favorite) and one has fringy leaves.

According to the Fragrant Path catalog (I have been purchasing from them since 1996 and highly recommend them. You cannot order on line but they are dirt cheap, have very inexpensive shipping and ask you for "alternates" - and you always get them in addition to your order) this is the description of Scarlett Starglory - my personal favorite:

"This carefree and vigorous climber goes to ten feet or more in a hurry. It has fairly large heart-shaped leaves and bears its small scarlet flowers in profusion on long stalks from July to October. Very attractive to hummingbirds. aka ipomoea coccinea"

Then there is Red Cypress Vine, which is ipomoea Quamocuit. This is the fringy one. Some people sell it as Cardinal Climber.

"After a long absence we are listing this delightfully delicate climber again–most catalogs that list it are actually selling Cardinal Climber as that is what is available from wholesalers and even they seem to be somewhat confused nomenclaturally. The daintiest of vines but vigorous nonetheless."

It come in white and a mix.

And then there is another: the real Cardinal Climber: ipomoea x multifida

"This is a cross between I. quamoclit and I. coccinea a mixed-up genus if there ever was one. It has handsome dark green deeply lobed leaves, and flowers like miniature morning glories, cardinal scarlet in color and produced in great abundance. A vigorous grower of reserved elegance, it should be used more than it is."

So you see there are three different, and similar ones.

Invasive alert: do not grow Grandpa Otts. It gets away from you! Grows into shrubs! Picture three is bayberries on the other side of the house!) Japanese beetles chew it. Impossible to eradicate!!!!!