Ipomoea muricata
Ipomoea muricata is a night blooming morning glory often called purple moonflower. It stands out for lilac to purple funnels that open after dusk in warm weather. The vine grows quickly with heat and needs a sturdy support to climb. In North America it is usually grown as a summer annual due to frost sensitivity. Flowering typically runs from summer into fall in warm climates.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: morning glory vine
- Height × spread: unknown / varies by climate
- Bloom window: June to November in warm regions
- Color & flower form: lavender to lilac funnel flowers
- Fragrance: unknown
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Purple night blooms instead of the white flowers typical of moonflower vines.
- Smaller flowers than the white moonflower baseline.
- Twining habit similar to other morning glories.
- Fragrance is variable or not documented in reliable sources.
Strengths
- Adds evening color to moon gardens.
- Climbs quickly in summer heat.
- Flexible for trellises and arches.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun with a strong vertical support.
- Soil and pH: average garden soil with good drainage; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Water: keep evenly moist during establishment; reduce water once established.
- Feeding: light feeding during active growth.
- Start and train: start seeds indoors in warmth; nick or soak; tie new growth to guides.
- Overwintering: treat as annual; frost ends the display.
Watch‑outs
- Requires warm nights for best bloom.
- Frost sensitive and not hardy in most regions.
- May self sow in frost free areas.
- Seeds may be toxic if ingested by pets or people.
Best uses (tags)
- night garden
- trellises
- containers
- pollinators
Provenance note
The species is native to Mexico and tropical America and has been reported under the synonym Ipomoea turbinata in older literature.
References
- Kew Plants of the World Online: Ipomoea muricata
- FSUS (UNC NCBG): Ipomoea muricata
- Florida Plant Atlas (USF): Ipomoea muricata
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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