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Ipomoea alba
morning glory vine
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)
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
