Purple morning-glory
Ipomoea purpurea · Convolvulaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around purple morning-glory and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Ipomoea purpurea
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Plant type
- Annual climbing plant
- Flowering period
- July to October
- Flower color
- Purple, pink or white depending on varieties
- Adult size
- 2 to 3 m in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, annual cultivation in cold zones
- Origin
- Central America and Mexico
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure and light
Morning glory prefers a bright, sunny location for abundant and generous flowering. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. Even in partial shade, the plant grows but flowers less intensely.
Watering
Water regularly and moderately during the growing period to keep the soil fresh but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during hot spells to prevent wilting. Morning glory appreciates watering in the late afternoon during dry periods.
Soil and substrate
Morning glory thrives in well-draining and moderately fertile soil. A mixture of potting soil and compost works perfectly. Avoid compacted or constantly wet soils that promote root rot.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks from the start of growth until flowering. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers; prefer a formulation with more phosphorus and potassium during the flowering period.
Pruning and training
Pinch the main stems at the beginning of growth to encourage branching and denser flowering. Guide the stems toward their support using soft ties. No drastic pruning is necessary for an annual plant; simply remove dead or diseased parts.
Common diseases and pests
Morning glory can be affected by powdery mildew in humid and poorly ventilated conditions. Spider mites appear in hot, dry climates. Maintain good air circulation and spray moderately to prevent these problems. No serious disease generally compromises its cultivation.
Did you know?
Morning glory is an emblematic flower of the English Victorian garden, where it was introduced in the 17th century and cultivated in heated greenhouses. In the morning, its funnel-shaped flowers gradually unfold before closing in the late afternoon, hence its English nickname 'Morning Glory'. This daily flower dance fascinated botanists and poets of the 19th century.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.