Ipomoea
( eye - poh - MEE - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering vines needs full sun and moderate to regular water, and is commonly known as Morning Glory. Take care when planting these in your garden as some of these flowers' seeds are toxic. There are many varieties in this genus, including edibles to container plants to those that twist and climb, providing great trellis coverage. Morning Glory vines can be used as climbing plants or as groundcovers. The flowers can also be used in fresh arrangements.
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Ipomoea Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Morning Glory vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Ipomoea alba (Calonyction aculeatum) (Moonflower) This perennial grows well in zones 15-17, 23, 24, H1 and H2 and can be grown as an annual in all other zones. It quickly reaches 20-30 feet and provides great shade for an arbor, trellis, or fence. Leaves are shaped like hearts and blooms open in the evening, staying open into nighttime, hence the common name Moonflower. Flowers are white. This plant needs heat to bloom well. |
Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine)
This perennial grows from tuberous roots and does best in zones 13, 21-24, H1 and H2, or as an indoor/outdoor plant in other zones. These plants have trailing habits, and are attractive in hanging baskets. Take care when planting them, as they can overwhelm their neighbors. Varieties are outlined below.
This perennial grows from tuberous roots and does best in zones 13, 21-24, H1 and H2, or as an indoor/outdoor plant in other zones. These plants have trailing habits, and are attractive in hanging baskets. Take care when planting them, as they can overwhelm their neighbors. Varieties are outlined below.
'Tricolor' ('Pink Frost')
Green leaves have white and pink variegation. |
'Midnight Lace' and 'Emerald Lace'
These two varieties, with black and green leaves (respectively), have deeply lobed foliage. (Pictured: 'Emerald Lace') |
Sweet Caroline Strain
These plants have foliage in bronze, green red, and purple. |
Ipomoea indica (Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea learii) (Blue Dawn Flower) This species is a perennial plant that grows well in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2. It grows vigorously to 15-30 feet and has dark green heart shaped leaves. Funnel-shaped flowers appear in spring and fall that open bright blue and fade to pink-purple by the end of the day. Great for covering large swaths of banks or walls, or for hiding outdoor structures or HVAC units. Can be grown from seed or cuttings. |
Ipomoea nil (Morning Glory) This species is an annual in all zones, and blooms in summer. Varieties include the Imperial Japanese strain (with larger flowers), 'Scarlett O'Hara' (with rosey-red flowers), 'Chocolate' (with buff pink flowers) and those in the Early Call strain, which has a variety of mixed colors, useful where summers are shorter. |
Ipomoea purpurea (Common Morning Glory) This species is grown as an annual in all zones, and reaches 6-9 feet tall and has blue, purple, or white flowers. Varieties include 'Grandpa Otts' (pictured; deep purple flowers have a deep red central star), and those in the Carnival strain (white flowers marked with pink or purple). |
Ipomoea tricolor (Morning Glory) This annual species does well in all zones and grows vigorously to 10-15 feet and has large, heart-shaped leaves and single or double flowers in blue, lavender, pink, red or white. Most flowers open in early morning and close up by midday. This species has toxic seeds that cause stomach upset and psychosis. A popular variety is 'Heavenly Blue' (pictured), which has sky blue flowers with yellow throats. |
Caring for Ipomoea
The seeds of Morning Glory plants need to be nicked or soaked overnight before they will be ready to be planted. Sow seeds in place after the danger of frost has passed, or begin seeds indoors. Set out plants 6-8 inches apart once they are ready to be transplanted to the garden.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 375 - 376, Ipomoea
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