As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that cardinal climbers, also known as cardinal vines (Ipomoea x multifida), do not come back every year. These beautiful vines are true annuals, which means they complete their entire life cycle within one year. While they may self-seed and produce new plants for the following year, the original plant will not come back.
The life cycle of a cardinal climber begins with the germination of its seeds. These seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Cardinal climbers are fast growers and can reach heights of up to 10-15 feet, making them excellent choices for adding vertical interest to your garden or landscape.
During the growing season, cardinal climbers produce stunning trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red, hence their name. These flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, adding a touch of wildlife to your garden. The foliage is delicate and fern-like, providing an interesting texture to the landscape.
As the season progresses, the flowers give way to seed pods. These pods contain the seeds that can potentially self-sow and produce new plants for the following year. However, the original plant will die off as winter approaches and the temperatures drop.
While the self-seeding nature of cardinal climbers can result in new plants sprouting up in subsequent years, it is important to note that their aggressive self-seeding tendencies can also make them invasive in certain regions. In warmer climates, where cardinal climbers thrive, they can become aggressive and take over areas of the garden if not properly managed.
To prevent unwanted self-seeding and potential invasiveness, it is recommended to deadhead the spent flowers before they have a chance to produce seed pods. By removing the flowers, you can enjoy the beauty of the cardinal climber without worrying about it spreading uncontrollably.
Cardinal climbers are true annuals and do not come back every year. While they may self-seed and produce new plants, the original plant will die off at the end of its life cycle. It is essential to be mindful of their self-seeding tendencies to prevent them from becoming invasive.
