How to Grow Quamoclit Plants

Guide to Growing Star Ipomoea, Cardinal climbers and Cypress Vine

Quamoclit plants are half hardy perennial vines. They can reach from 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) in height.

Recently members of the genus have been reclassifed into Ipomoea plant genus. E.g., Quamoclit vulgaris is now called Ipomoea Quamoclit. Other former members include Quamoclit pennata and Quamoclit coccinea.

They bloom in the mornings and evenings from summer to autumn. In bloom, they carry tubular shaped flowers of orange, yellow or red.

Some common names for Quamoclit include Star Ipomoea, Spanish Flag, Cypress vine, Cardinal climber, and Scarlet Star Glory.

Photographs of Ipomoea Quamoclit / Quamoclit vulgaris

Quamoclit vulgaris/Ipomoea Quamoclit (Cypress vine) by Rameshng.

Ipomoea Quamoclit by Mike Epp.

How to Grow Star Ipomoea and other Quamoclit Plants in teh Garden

If growing Star Ipomoea, Cypress Vine (Ipomoea Quamoclit), or other members of the Quamoclit plant genus outdoors from the off, then the seeds should be sown at a depth of 3 mm (1/8 inch).

Use a seedling spacing of 40 to 90 cm (16 to 36 inches) in the middle of spring. Sow out a couple of weeks after the last chance of frost.

As Star Ipomoea are climbing vines, they should be given a trellis or similar structure to grow upon.

Quamoclit species are able to grow in both sunny or partially shaded conditions. They prefer a location with a light and sandy soil.

If first growing Star Ipomoea or similar species indoors, then chip the seeds and soak for a day in warm water.

The Ipomoea / Quamoclit seeds should then be germinated at 18 to 22 degrees centigrade (64 to 72°F). This should take from one to three weeks. Transplant the seedlings outdoors in mid spring.

Caring for Star Ipomoea (Quamoclit)

It is easy to look after Quamoclit (now Ipomoea Quamoclit) species, such as Star Ipomoea and Cardinal climbers. They require something to grow upon, and should not be over fed.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Quamoclit plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Ixia, Ionopsidium plant, and Iris plants.