Ipomoea horsfalliae (Cardinal Creeper)

Botanical name: Ipomoea horsfalliae

Common names: Cardinal Creeper, Prince Kuhio Vine

Origin: Caribbean

This creeper is native to Caribbean, but is known to be grown in Florida and California and it is an ideal plant for warm subtropical climate. It will grow easily in full sun, semi-shade and with regular water. Ipomoea horsfalliae (Cardinal Creeper) is also known to draw the attention of butterflies and hummingbirds and will in turn, attract them to its crimson or vinous colored flowers.

Ipomoea horsfalliae can be grown in pot either in cold regions or temperate regions. It needs a light, well-drained soil. When growing the plant in pots, it is necessary to feed it regularly with fertilizers to ensure that the plant gets the required nutrients for proper growth and flowering. The vine should be pruned regularly to maintain a neat and attractive shape.

Invasive, Ipomoea horsfalliae can spread fast by self-sowing and needs to be contained. It grows up to 8 ft wide so it is important to check the growth and prune it regularly to prevent it from taking over the other plants in the garden. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11 and should be grown in sheltered position away from winters cold. This vine can be grown as ground cover, as a cover for arbors or trellis and it can also be used for covering walls. It is an attractive and low maintenance creeper that is worth a try for green thumbs out there.