Blue morning-glory
Ipomoea indica · Convolvulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around blue morning-glory and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Type
- Perennial climbing plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen in mild climates, deciduous in temperate climates
- Flowering
- July to October, blue-violet flowers
- Adult size
- 3 to 6 meters in height
- Hardiness
- Not hardy, fears frost (from -5°C)
- Growth
- Fast and vigorous
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical Asia
Care
Light and exposure
Place your Indian morning glory in full sun or partial shade for abundant flowering. It tolerates heat better in south or west-facing positions protected from strong winds. Insufficient light reduces flower production.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter or during dormancy. In pots, check soil moisture before each watering.
Potting soil and soil
Use rich, well-draining substrate that is slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of universal potting soil with added sand or perlite works perfectly. Ensure good drainage to prevent root suffocation.
Pruning and training
Prune after flowering or in late winter to maintain a compact shape and aerate the plant. Regularly pinch young stems to encourage branching. Gently tie stems to a support or suitable structure.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during active growth (spring-summer). Prefer a potassium-rich feed from June onwards to support flowering. Stop fertilizing in autumn-winter.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites, particularly indoors in heated spaces. Powdery mildew and downy mildew can occur in excessive humidity and poor ventilation. Good air circulation and leaf hygiene prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Despite its name, Indian morning glory actually originates from tropical Asia and was widely distributed to the Tropics by European navigators. It is a close relative of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) with which it shares the same Convolvulaceae family. This spectacular plant produces hundreds of small blue-violet flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon, a daily cycle typical of morning glories.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Kidney weedDichondra repens
- Blue rock bindweedConvolvulus sabatius
- Pink EarFalkia repens
- SilverbushConvolvulus cneorum
- Field bindweedConvolvulus arvensis
- Hedge bindweedCalystegia sepium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.