Morning Glory Vine

Lawn & Garden

Morning glory vine is an annual flowering plant that comes in a variety of colors. It is known for its twining vines and bell-shaped flowers, and is closely related to the sweet potato. The name “morning glory” comes from the fact that the flowers only last for one day. Morning glory is a popular annual vine due to its quick growth and dependably colorful flowers.

Description of Morning Glory Vine

Morning glory vines can grow up to 10 feet or more in just two months from seed sprouting. Their heart-shaped leaves and bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, blue, pink, purple, red, and multicolored. Newer varieties of morning glory vines will stay open longer, even on overcast days.

Growing Morning Glory Vine

Morning glory vines are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They thrive in full sun and any type of soil, as long as it is not too fertile or too moist. Seeds should be sown outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, and the vines should be provided with support as they grow by twining. Morning glory plants should be spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.

Propagating Morning Glory Vine

New vines can be started from seed. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed up the germination process. In colder climates, starting the seeds indoors in peat pots 4 to 6 weeks before planting can result in earlier blooms. Germination takes 5 to 7 days at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When transplanting peat pots to the garden, do so without disturbing the roots.

Uses for Morning Glory Vine

Morning glory vines are great for enhancing fences or covering up unsightly areas. They can rapidly cover fences, arches, pergolas, and trellises, or can be made into their own garden feature with stakes and twine. They can also be grown as trailers from hanging baskets and window boxes.

Related Species and Varieties

Moon flower (Ipomoea alba) is a related species that has large, fragrant, white flowers that open in the evening and close before midday. Convovulus tricolor, also known as “dwarf morning glory,” forms bushy plants with pink, blue, purple, and rose flowers. Blue Ensign is a selection with blue flowers and contrasting yellow and white centers. Evolvulus glomeratus is a prostrate plant with many small, morning glory-like flowers in bright blue. Blue Bird is another species. Some popular morning glory vine varieties include Heavenly Blue, Scarlet Star, Pearly Gates, Early Call Mixture, and Mt. Fuji Mix.

Scientific Name of Morning Glory Vine

The scientific name for morning glory vine is Ipomoea nil, purpurea, tricolor.

Want more information? Try these links:

• Annual Flowers. Discover your favorite annual flowers. We’ve organized them by color, sunlight, soil type, and height to make it easy to plan your garden.
• Annuals. There’s more to an annuals garden than flowers. Learn about all of the annuals that enhance your garden.
• Perennial Flowers. Complement your annuals with these delightful perennial flowers. They are also organized by height, soil type, sunlight, and color.

FAQ

1. What is a Morning Glory Vine?

A Morning Glory Vine is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a climbing vine that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The plant blooms in the morning and produces trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, blue, and purple. The leaves of the vine are heart-shaped and have a vibrant green color.

2. How do you grow a Morning Glory Vine?

To grow a Morning Glory Vine, you need to plant the seeds in a location that receives full sunlight. The soil should be well-drained and moist. The seeds should be planted about one inch deep and spaced about six inches apart. The vine needs support to climb, so you can provide a trellis or fence for it to grow on. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Are Morning Glory Vines invasive?

Yes, Morning Glory Vines can be invasive if not properly managed. The plant has a rapid growth rate and can quickly take over an area. The vine can also self-seed, which can lead to even more plants growing in the future. It is important to regularly prune the plant to keep it under control and prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas.

4. What are some common pests of Morning Glory Vines?

Some common pests of Morning Glory Vines include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. To prevent pest infestations, you can regularly inspect the plant for signs of damage and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any infestations.

5. Can Morning Glory Vines be grown indoors?

Yes, Morning Glory Vines can be grown indoors if provided with enough sunlight and support to climb. The plant requires a trellis or fence to grow on, so you will need to provide a suitable structure for it to climb. The plant also needs regular watering and well-draining soil to thrive indoors.

6. How long do Morning Glory Vines bloom?

Morning Glory Vines typically bloom from early summer to early fall. The flowers of the vine bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon, which is why they are called “Morning Glory.” The plant can continue to produce flowers throughout the blooming season as long as it receives proper care.

7. Are Morning Glory Vines toxic?

Yes, some species of Morning Glory Vines can be toxic if ingested. The seeds of the plant contain a chemical called lysergic acid, which can cause hallucinations and other symptoms if consumed in large quantities. It is important to keep the plant away from children and pets, and to wash your hands after handling the plant to avoid accidental ingestion.