Ipomoea alba
Ipomoea alba is a night blooming morning glory grown for large white flowers that open at dusk and close by late morning. It stands out for strong fragrance and five to six inch trumpets that glow in evening light. The plant is a fast twining vine that needs sturdy support and consistent summer heat to bloom well. It is perennial only in frost free climates and is grown as an annual in most of North America. It attracts nocturnal moths in midsummer to fall and covers trellises quickly once nights warm.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: morning glory vine
- Height × spread: 10 to 15 ft long × 3 to 6 ft spread (3.0 to 4.6 m × 0.9 to 1.8 m)
- Bloom window: mid summer to fall evenings
- Color & flower form: white funnel flowers about 5 to 6 in across
- Fragrance: 3 strong
- USDA hardiness: zones 10 to 12; grown as annual elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Twining vine rather than a bushy or sprawling form.
- Requires warm nights to start flowering in many northern areas.
- Large pure white blooms with a star pattern in the throat.
- Less drought tolerant than thorn apples in the same moon garden theme.
Strengths
- Strong evening fragrance.
- Fast coverage of trellises and arches.
- Attracts night flying moths.
- Easy from seed with nicking or soaking.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun in a warm, sheltered spot with a strong support.
- Soil and pH: average garden soil with good drainage; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Water: keep evenly moist during establishment; do not overwater.
- Feeding: light monthly feeding during active growth.
- Pinch and train: pinch soft tips once to branch; tie vines to guides.
- Overwintering: treat as annual outside zones 10 to 12; start seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost after nicking or soaking.
Watch‑outs
- Needs a long warm season to bloom well.
- Killed by frost.
- Can self sow in warm climates.
- Seeds are toxic if ingested by pets or people.
Best uses (tags)
- night garden
- trellises
- containers
- screens
- pollinators
Provenance note
The species has long been grown across tropical America and has been treated in horticulture under the synonym Calonyction aculeatum.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Ipomoea alba
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Ipomoea alba
- University of Illinois Extension: Moonflower
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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