Ipomoea hederifolia (Scarlet Creeper)

Native to the tropical and warm temperate parts of the Americas, Ipomoea hederifolia (Scarlet Creeper) is an annual climbing vine with alternate leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), which may be heart-shaped, shallowly or deeply three lobed, or irregularly lobed. Blooming from summer to winter, funnel-shaped brilliant scarlet flowers, with contrasting stamens, are borne in axillary 2-5 flowered cymes. The blossoms open overnight and wither by mid-morning except on cloudy days. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, they give way to capsules containing dark brown or black seeds. Widely planted for its vibrant flowers, Scarlet Creeper occurs on roadsides, fence rows, and as a weed in agricultural crops. Very easily grown, it can grow up a fence, trellis or other structure, over shrubs and even trees.

• Grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm). This attractive morning glory will spread by seeds.
• Thrives in full sun to part shade in dry to moist, well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seeds or cuttings.
• Native to the southern United States, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America and South America.
• Scarlet Creeper is listed as a serious agricultural weed in Brazil and as an invasive species in Cuba, Australia, Hawaii, Fiji, New Caledonia and other islands in the Pacific region.
• Some species in this genus are known to be toxic to humans.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.