Ipomoea purpurea (Morning Glory)

What is Morning Glory?

Native: Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) is a flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America but has been widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the world.

The Plant: Valued as an exotic climber for the garden, Morning Glory is a pretty annual vine noted for its luminous heart-shaped foliage and attractive rich purple-blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Opening in the morning to reveal their white throats, the flowers, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), close in the afternoon, hence the common name.

Bloom Time: Morning Glory produces new flowers daily and blooms continuously from early summer to early fall.

Height: Fast-growing, this annual vine will twine its soft stems up to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters) tall in one season and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) wide.

Uses: Morning Glory requires support on which to climb, such as pergolas, walls, or fences. Great in containers, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover too! Perfect in cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Prized for its quick-growing climbing habit, it is perfect to hide an unforgiving fence!

Pollinators: Growing morning glory is a great way to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

Deer: Morning glory is a plant that is generally considered deer-resistant.

Toxic: Morning glory seeds contain a naturally occurring substance called ergine, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms if ingested in large quantities. It is recommended to keep the plants away from pets and small children to avoid accidental ingestion of the seeds. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling the plant.

Invasive: Morning glory can be invasive in certain regions. In some areas, it can grow rapidly and spread through self-seeding, which can cause it to become a problem for native species. It is important to check with your local authorities before planting morning glory to ensure it is not considered invasive in your area. Find where this species is invasive in the United States. Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Popular Morning Glories to Grow

New Morning Glory varieties with different flower colors have added extra interest to this old-fashioned garden favorite. They are now available in charming shades ranging from pink, blue, red, and magenta to white. Some also have 5 pointed star markings inside their trumpets.

‘Heavenly Blue‘ – Heavenly Blue is a popular variety known for its large, vibrant blue flowers,
‘Milky Way‘ – Milky Way has smaller, white flowers with a purple center.
‘Scarlet O’Hara‘ – Scarlet O’Hara boasts bright red flowers
‘Pearly Gates‘ – Pearly Gates has white flowers with a pinkish tint.

Where to Plant Morning Glory?

Sunlight: Morning glory plants prefer full sun to partial shade, so they should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil: They also require moderately fertile, well-draining soil.

Water: They require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature: The plants prefer warm temperatures for optimal growth and flowering. They can tolerate temperatures between 60-90°F (15-32°C), but the ideal temperature range is between 70-80°F (21-27°C). They are typically grown as annuals in areas with cooler temperatures or as perennials in warmer climates.

When to Plant Morning Glory?

Morning glories can be planted in the spring after the last frost date in your area. In most regions, this will be sometime between March and May. It is important to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 64°F (18°C) for optimal germination. In areas with warm climates, morning glories can also be planted in the fall.

How to Plant Morning Glory?

Here are the steps to plant this beautiful vine:

Choose a planting location: Select a location with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The plants prefer warm soil, so avoid planting them too early in the spring.

Prepare the soil: Use a garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm). Work in some compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.

Sow the seeds: Sow the morning glory seeds about ½ inch (1 cm) deep in the soil. Space the seeds 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) apart.

Water the seeds: After sowing the seeds, water the soil gently to keep it moist. Continue to water the seeds regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Mulch the soil: Mulch the soil around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.

By following these steps, you can successfully plant and grow morning glory in your garden.

Morning Glory Care

Morning glory is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for proper care:

Watering: Morning glory needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture.

Fertilizer: To enhance the growth and blooms of your morning glory, fertilize them monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like 10-10-10. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to more foliage growth than flowers.

Pruning: Morning glory is a fast-growing plant that can quickly become out of control. To keep it under control, prune regularly, removing any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or flowers.

Trellising: Morning glory plants are climbers and require support to grow. Install a trellis or provide a support system for the plant to climb.

How to Propagate

Morning glories can be propagated through seeds. Here are the steps to follow:

Collect mature morning glory seeds from existing plants in late summer or early fall. Look for the dry seedpods on the plant and remove them when they start to split open.

Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help soften the hard seed coat and improve germination.

Fill a seed tray or pot with seed-starting mix and plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep.

Water the seeds and place the tray or pot in a warm, bright location, such as near a sunny window.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and germination should occur within 7 to 21 days.

Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, transplant them to a larger container or directly into the garden.

Pests and Diseases

Morning glory plants are generally healthy and not prone to many diseases or pests. However, they may occasionally be affected by some issues such as:

Aphids: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to curl and yellow.

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can cause them to become distorted and turn yellow or brown.

Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes the roots to decay and the plant to wilt.

Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause discoloration and stippling of the leaves and may even cause webbing to appear on the plant.

To prevent these issues, it is important to maintain proper watering and drainage, provide adequate air circulation, and remove any infected plant parts as soon as they are noticed. Additionally, spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil can help control insect infestations, while using a fungicide can help control fungal diseases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about morning glory flower?

Morning glory flowers are known for their vibrant colors and trumpet-like flowers, which open up during the day and close at night or on cloudy days. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, blue, red, and white, with some varieties having multiple colors on the same flower. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, some cultures consider morning glory flowers to have spiritual or medicinal properties.

Why is it called morning glory?

Morning glory flowers are so named because they bloom in the morning and then wither away in the afternoon or evening. The flowers tend to bloom in the early hours of the day and are often fully open by sunrise, with their petals unfurling to greet the morning light.

Do morning glories come back every year?

Morning glories are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. However, their seeds can self-sow and produce new plants the following year if conditions are right. In warmer climates, morning glories can act like perennials and grow back from their roots each year.