Cypress vine is fast-growing non-native garden highlight

I enjoy plants that not only bring beauty but also attract pollinators, and one of the most striking plants is the exotic cypress vine.

This is not a native plant, but it has earned its place in many Southern landscapes for the charm it adds and the visitors it draws.

What immediately catches the eye with cypress vine, known scientifically as Ipomoea quamoclit, is its delicate, fern-like foliage. Each leaf is finely divided into dozens of thread-like segments, so thin they almost look like green embroidery stitched into the air.

The leaves shimmer when the breeze moves through, giving the vine a lacy, almost ethereal quality. Arranged alternately along the slender stems, these leaves create a curtain of soft greenery that reaches 2 to 4 inches long and drapes gracefully wherever the vine climbs.

This feathery texture is especially striking when paired for contrast with sturdier garden plants.

As beautiful as the foliage is, the flowers are truly the stars of this vine.

Throughout the heat of summer, cypress vine produces clusters of small, five-pointed blooms shaped like perfect little stars. The petals are velvety and deeply saturated in color, most commonly a glowing scarlet red. There are pink and pure white varieties that are also elegant.

Each blossom measures about an inch across and is attached to a long, slender tube, perfectly designed for hummingbirds and butterflies to sip nectar. When the sun strikes them, the flowers seem to sparkle against the delicate green backdrop. The whole vine appears as if it is sprinkled with bright jewels.

Cypress vine is a vigorous grower, often climbing 10 to 15 feet in a single season. It twines effortlessly around supports, so it thrives when given a fence, arbor or trellis to scramble over.

Despite its exotic look, the plant doesn’t ask for much in the way of care. Although it will tolerate a little light shade, cypress vine should be planted in full sun for the best flowering. It prefers well-drained soil, and once established, it handles the heat and humidity with ease.

Water regularly during dry spells to keep the vine blooming strong, but it generally does not need heavy fertilizing. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf production at the expense of flowers. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a light application of liquid feed every few weeks is usually all it needs.

Cypress vine is grown as an annual in most of the South. Start it from seed once the soil warms in spring. The seeds have a tough coat and benefit from soaking them overnight before planting to encourage quicker germination.

Once they sprout, seedlings grow quickly and are ready to climb within weeks. It’s best to give the vine plenty of space and a sturdy support to cover.

There is one note of caution for gardeners: Cypress vine is an enthusiastic reseeder. Once it blooms and sets seed, new vines sprout the following spring, sometimes in unexpected places. While many gardeners enjoy this surprise return, others may find it a bit aggressive.

For a fast-growing, eye-catching vine that brings movement, color and pollinators into the garden, I recommend you try cypress vine. Its lace-like leaves, brilliant starry blooms and easy-going nature give this plant an elegance and toughness that go hand in hand.