Last week’s blog introduced the colorful climbing annual, Morning Glory. There are so many wonderful uses for the fast-growing, easy-to-grow vine. One of my favorites is to create shade for sunny windows in the summer. For several years, I grew Morning Glory vines up a temporary trellis outside a west-facing bedroom. I simply anchored chicken wire in the ground and then attached it to the eves, and the Morning Glory covered it by mid-summer. What a wonderful shady atmosphere it created, and I loved the leafy shadows that filled the room in the evenings.
The Ipomoea genus is vast, and there are so many species to choose from! You might not even have known that some of these are in the Morning Glory family.
- Ipomoea nil – known as Japanese Morning Glory
- Ipomoea purpurea – common Morning Glory
- Ipomoea coccinea – commonly called Scarlet Star Glory
- Ipomoea quamoclit (synonym: Ipomoea pennata) – known as Cypress Vine
- Ipomoea batatas – referred to as Sweet Potato Vine
- Ipomoea lobata (synonym: Mina lobata) – Common names include Firecracker Vine, Fire Vine, Spanish Flag Vine, and Exotic Love Vine
- Convolvulus tricolor – known as Dwarf Morning Glory
- Ipomoea alba – Commonly known as Moonflower
Dwarf Morning Glory in a mixed container of annuals
Not all Morning Glories are climbers. There is a Dwarf Morning Glory that has a mounding growth habit and reaches 8 to 10 inches in height. It can be used in the front of the annual summer border, in window boxes, and in mixed containers. Dwarf Morning Glory plants, Convolvulus tricolor Ensign series feature solitary, open blooms with 3 colors. The funnel-shaped flowers are 1 to 2 inches across and come in colors of rose, blue, red, and white all with yellow throats and white markings. Dwarf Morning Glories like full sun and moist but well-drained soil, and they do not need a trellis or support to grow on.
Another noteworthy member of the genus Ipomoeais the evening blooming vine, Moonflower. Unlike the Morning Glory which opens early in the morning, Moonflowers open in the evening and stay open all night. Maybe it should be called “Evening Glory!” This annual vine is very vigorous with large leaves and pure white, saucer-like blooms that can be up to 6 inches across. The large flowers are highly scented, and nocturnal moths are attracted to the white, scented blooms and are the pollinators for these flowers. Because of their lovely fragrance, it is recommended to place this vine next to a window, porch or doorway where the scent can be enjoyed in summer breezes. Grow these vines in full sun and in soil that is kept moist. The Moonflowers need a long growing season to bloom, so it is recommended to start the seed indoors and transplant outside after frost danger has passed.
Plant Moonflowers for an evening display
If you are looking for a festive, eye-catching climber, look no farther than Mina lobata, commonly called Firecracker Vine. This vine is actually a perennial in USDA Zones 9 – 11, but it grows well as an annual in colder climates. Also known as Fire Vine, it has tubular flowers that start out red but fade to orange and then to cream. The flower spikes have all three colors present at the same time for a dramatic color show. Hummingbirds are attracted to this climber.
All of the flower seeds in this genus have that hard outer coat that needs scarification. Soaking the Morning Glory seeds in warm water over night is one option. A second option is to lightly file the seed coat or put a little nick in it. This scarification allows for faster and improved germination.
Once outdoor soil temperatures are 55° or more and danger of frost has passed, these flower seeds can be directly sown outside. Prepare the soil by weeding the area, loosening the top several inches, and adding some organic matter. Follow the instructions on the seed package for the depth of planting and the spacing. Keep the flower seeds moist until they germinate, and have string or a trellis for them to climb. The seedlings will begin to twine in no time!
There is nothing like growing a climbing vine and letting it ramble throughout the landscape. They provide a welcome burst of color and visual interest as they travel up fences, mailbox posts, porches and even evergreen trees and shrubs. Be creative and have some fun by growing a climbing vine!
Question for the week: What’s your favorite Morning Glory to grow?
By Kimberly Bell