Botanical Name Ipomoea quamoclit

Common Name Cypress vine, red cypress vine, Indian pink, star glory, hummingbird vine

Plant Type Annual vine

Mature Size 6-15 ft. in length, spread of 3-6 ft.

Sun Exposure Full sun

Soil Type Fertile, well-drained, and kept evenly moist

Soil pH Neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline

Bloom Time June to October

Flower Color Red; less commonly, pink or white

Hardiness Zones 11-12 (USDA)

When it comes to gardening with wildlife in mind, cypress vine hits the trifecta: deer avoid it, yet hummingbirds love it, and it draws butterflies. It's also relatively free of pest and disease problems. Once you have decided on an outdoor location for them, the next step will generally be to provide a supporting vertical structure for them to grow on,  Suitable supporting structures can include:

Arbors

Pergolas

Deck posts exposed to the sun

Lattice

Chain-link fencing

By growing cypress vines up a chain-link fence, for example, you're able to disguise the unsightly nature of a fence while achieving privacy for part of the summer.