Ipomoea indica (Blue Morning Glory)

Award-winning Ipomoea indica (Blue Morning Glory) is a vigorous twining evergreen vine with lush, velvety, heart-shaped leaves and attractive clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, 3-4 in. (7-10 cm). Opening bright blue in the morning, the blossoms fade to pinkish purple by late afternoon before closing. Morning Glory produces new flowers daily and blooms continuously from late spring to fall. Prized for its quick-growing climbing habit, it is perfect to hide an unforgiving fence, climb a wall, or scramble through arbors and trellises. Give it room to grow and watch it head for the sky!

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society but it has become a noxious weed and invasive species in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Portugal.
• Fast-growing, this perennial vine will twine its soft stems up to 4-15 ft. tall in one season (120-450 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in loamy, well-drained soils. Water freely when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two or three weeks. Water sparingly in winter.
• Deer resistant but attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Morning Glory requires support on which to climb such as pergolas, walls, or fences. Great in containers, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover too! Perfect in cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
• Propagate by seed sown singly at 18 °C in spring. Chip or soak for 24 hours to aid germination. Take softwood cuttings in spring.
• Susceptible to glasshouse whitefly, glasshouse red spider mite and powdery mildews.
• Native to tropical habitats throughout the world.
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.