Ipomoea quamoclit is a tropical South American annual vine that has found its way into North American gardens and stayed. The foliage is the first thing that strikes: deeply pinnate, fern-like, and airy rather than the broad heart-shaped leaves of its morning glory relatives. The vine is not robust despite reaching 15 to 20 feet and needs support to climb rather than sprawling under its own weight. Bright scarlet red flowers, small and perfectly star-shaped, bloom from early summer through the first frost and draw hummingbirds and butterflies with consistent reliability. The delicate foliage reportedly recoils from intense direct sun during the hottest part of the day and expands again after sundown, a habit that gives the plant a slightly theatrical character.

In North Carolina, seeds dropped in autumn will germinate the following spring, which makes cypress vine effectively self-perpetuating in the garden without reaching the level of true invasiveness in most of the South and West. Full sun and average, well-draining soil with adequate moisture suit it best, and it tolerates both deer and some drought. Germination is improved by scarifying seeds and soaking in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. One note of caution: it is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, which is worth considering before placing it where animals roam freely.