Cardinal Climber Vine ((Ipomoea × multifida) is my post for Cee’s Flower of the Day. These vines and the beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers blooming on them are some of the best flowers for a hummingbird garden.
Most of my garden plants have blooms that are waning. I don’t obsess over the lack of bloom because I see few bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in October. The Cardinal Climber Vines bloomed late for me this year. I thought they were in a slump until a few weeks ago when they burst into dozens of blossoms. There is nothing timid about these flowers when they bloom; they are brilliant in color, and the stamen almost seems to glow like a spotlight beckoning hummingbirds to dive in for the nectar they contain.
Yesterday, I had an experience that I hope will stay a treasure in my spirit forever. I was bent down, turning off the hose nozzle, and when I stood, inches from me, a hummingbird was sipping nectar from the Cardinal Climber blooms. It seemed unaware of me, or perhaps in fueling up to return to warmer climates, was willing to risk my presence. I stood for several minutes, holding my breath, wanting to jump for joy as I listened to the buzz of the small bird’s wings and had the closest view ever of a hummingbird sipping nectar. I will never forget that magical moment in the garden.
The Spruce has information on how to grow Cardinal Climber Vines.
That is a cool deep red 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pretty at this time of year when everything is beginning to dry up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the vine is beautiful .I have it every fall as it comes up where ever it wants to. Now I’ll tell my story about my incontrovertible with hummers.. While living in N.Ala. USA…we had a screened in front porch. One day a momma hummer flew by..picked up a baby hummer by the head and took it to a blossom close by..once in a lifetime experience. Aren’t we “lucky”?.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is definitely a moment to treasure.
LikeLike
I know nothing about vines but I do think hummingbirds are cute
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, they are a wonderful sight to us. Most seem to have left the area since it is getting cooler at night. I think this one was passing through and needed some fuel.
LikeLike
I’ve never seen these before! Lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful color, a hummingbird lure, and best of all they climb without much assistance.
LikeLike