Hummingbird Cypress vine Plant Care

Cypress vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) has thin, thread structed leaves that give the plant a light, airy texture. It is grown against a trellis or pole, which it climbs by twining itself around the structure. The star-shaped flowers bloom all summer and fall in pink, red or white. Hummingbirds and butterflies love to sip flower nectar, and the plant is also known as hummingbird vine. Read on for cypress vine plant info that will help you decide if this plant is right for your garden and how to grow it. 

Cypress vines belong to the morning glory family. They share characteristics with the more familiar morning glory, although the appearance of the foliage and flowers is quite different. Cypress vine plants are usually grown as annuals, even though they are technically perennials in frost-free areas of the U.S.

Cypress Vines Plants cypress vine seeds near a trellis or other structure that the vines can climb when the soil is warm, or start them indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Keep the soil humid until the seedlings are well-established. The plants grow best with plenty of moisture. Organic mulch helps to keep the soil evenly moist and may prevent seeds from taking root where they fall. cypress vines become weedy if left to take roots. Two Fertilize just before the first blossoms appear with a high phosphorus fertilizer. Another important part of cypress vine care is training the young vines to climb by wrapping the stems around the supporting structure.  Cypress vines try to grow out rather than up, and the 10-foot vines can overtake nearby plants. In addition, vines are a bit fragile and may break if they stray from their support. Use this plant responsibly and take steps to limits the spread when growing cypress vines in areas where they tend to become invasive.