Arlene Wright-Correll

That’s Not a Morning Glory, That’s a Cardinal Climber Plant! ©



Posted: Saturday, September 06, 2008

by
http://www.learn-america.com

The Cardinal Climber Plant falls in the category of being an annual and it is a climbing vine that even does well in a hanging container creating a very eye pleasing display as it wends its way up the hanging straps decorating it with lots of blue-green leaves and lovely red trumpet like flowers. Amazingly enough, this plant is not a native to anywhere as it is just an artificial hybrid plant.

It will grow any where from three feet to ten feet and when you plant the seeds plant them ten to twelve inches apart. Prior to planting your seeds I recommend you establish some sort of trellis for the plant to climb or a series of cord guide lines for it to follow. Do not use permanent ties for this plant as it will quickly outgrow them. I suggest long, soft twist ties.

This plant loves full sun and will be glorifying your garden from mid-summer through to late fall providing you put it where it gets at least six hours of sun each day. You can plant the seeds anytime after the last frost and you will need to scarify the seeds prior to planting and you will need to soak them for at least 24 hours once you have scarified them. I find that a good little file is the best thing for that.

The Cardinal Climber is a great hit in your garden to the birds, bees and butterflies. It needs only average watering. However, you will need to help it along if your garden hits a rainless, dry spell.

The seeds of this plant are poisonous so keep alert if children roam your garden. It is also an invasive plant.

You can collect the seeds of this plant if you allow the pods to dry on the vine. You must make sure the seeds are clean and dry before storing away for next year's planting. However, if you let them drop to the ground you will not have to worry about that, you will just have to worry about having more Cardinal Climbers than you want.

"Tread the Earth Lightly" and in the meantime May your day be filled with

Peace, Light and Love,

Author's note: This article was originally written for GreenThumbArticles.com

About the Author & Artist. Arlene Wright-Correll (1935- ___), popular American award winning Artist, published author, columnist, & is the resident art instructor for Avalon Stained Glass School, at the age of 68, decided to pick up her paint brushes again after 54 years and paint.  She is a cancer and stroke survivor who is able to strive forward each and everyday to welcome the beauty of this small planet.  She also is a China & Porcelain painter, Sandblasting & Etching, Stained Glass & fused glass Artisan. She is one of the six KY Artists who worked 6 months to create the dolls for Journey Jots in 2006 and a Smithsonian Institute art exhibit in 2008. Her published books can be found here . She is also a featured writer for GreenThumbArticles.com and teaches Art Vacation Holidays at Avalon Stained Glass School and Creativity Center.

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