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Planting and caring for an annual morning glory is not difficult. Due to the long and abundant flowering, bright, large buds and its undemanding care, the plant has gained wide popularity in Our Country.
General description of annual morning glory
Ipomoea grows in the form of a shrub, grass, creeper or low tree. This is a plant that is famous for the rapid growth of shoots reaching 5 m in length. As can be seen from the photo of an annual morning glory, with their help, bindweed clings to various supports, turning nondescript objects into unique elements of country decor.
Funnel-shaped flowers grow on thin pedicels, their size, depending on the species and variety, is from 5 to 15 cm in diameter. There are solid and patterned flowers that can be painted in a wide variety of shades: such as white, blue, blue, red, pink or purple.
Ipomoea has a long flowering period. When the old buds fall off, new flowers appear almost immediately in their place and boxes with seeds are formed. In temperate climates, for most varieties, flowering begins in June and ends in September, some varieties continue to delight the eye until the first October frosts.
Liana can often be found in tropical and subtropical climates. In such conditions, bindweed can develop and bloom for many years. However, due to harsh winters in central Our Country, morning glory is grown only as an annual plant.
Ipomoea is considered a heat-loving and light-loving plant that develops well in calcareous soil and prefers sunny places on a slight elevation. It reacts badly to drafts, frosts, prolonged rains.
Planting and caring for the annual Ipomoea in the open field are quite simple. For her, timely watering, loosening and weeding of the soil is important. Liana needs a support, which is suitable for stretched wire or twine. Bindweed is fed with fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus.
Types of morning glory
The morning glory genus is considered one of the largest in the bindweed family and has about 450 – 500 plant species. Of this large number, only 25 are used for decorative purposes. The article presents the most popular types.
Ipomoea purpurea
One of the most popular varieties of Ipomoea comes from Central and South America. Depending on the variety, its shoots can reach 8 m in length. On average, the diameter of the funnel-shaped flowers is about 7 cm. The buds can be red, purple, purple, lilac and bluish. Bindweed is widely used for decoration in landscape design.
Popular varieties of morning glory:
- Giselle;
- Raspberry whim;
- Scarlet O’Hara;
- sky blue;
- firmament;
- Ultraviolet.
Ipomoea Cairo
This is a species of morning glory that grows in the form of a perennial herbaceous vine with tuberous roots. Its homeland is Africa and Asia; in Our Country, Cairo morning glory is grown as an annual.
Bindweed grows up to 4 m in height. The stems of the plant can be curly or dormant, with elliptical dark green leaves ranging in size from 3 to 10 cm, located on long petioles. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 3-6 cm in diameter, red, lilac, purple or white. Collected in inflorescences of several pieces.
Abundant flowering is observed from July to September. The plant withstands frosts down to -7 oC, likes well-drained soil and sunny places.
Ipomoea moonflower
Ipomoea moonflowering is one of the most beautiful types of herbaceous vines recommended for vertical gardening. The name of the plant was due to its biological features. Large snow-white buds open only after sunset and close again at its first appearance.
Bindweed reaches 3 m in height. On sprawling shoots there is dense dark green foliage and flowers about 10 cm in diameter, shaped like gramophones.
The main flowering period falls in July and August, but some plants may bloom until the onset of cold weather. Landing in open ground is carried out in early May. The first shoots from seeds appear after 5-9 days. Prefers neutral sandy or loamy soil.
Ipomoea Nile
Ipomoea Nile in nature is a perennial plant, but in central Our Country it is cultivated as an annual. Curly, strongly branched shoots with characteristic pubescence reach a height of up to 3 m. The flowers are pink, red, blue, purple or lavender in color. It differs from other species in the star-shaped structure of the flower, the presence of a white border along the edge and small “wrinkles” on the petals. Flowering lasts from mid-summer to October.
This type of morning glory is widespread in Japan, popular varieties:
- Kiozaki;
- Picots;
- Blue Bliss.
Ipomoea ivy
Ipomoea ivy is native to tropical America. The length of the branched stems is 2-3 m. The large, heart-shaped leaves look like ivy leaves. The flowers are funnel-shaped, sky-blue, up to 5 cm in size. But there are also burgundy, pink and red buds. Flowering lasts from July to mid-October. The species is famous for its high frost resistance up to -7 oC.
The most popular variety is Roman Candy. Due to the fact that the plant is considered a malicious weed, it is recommended to grow it exclusively by the ampel method, in hanging planters.
Ipomoea Tricolor
Tricolor Ipomoea looks very similar to Purple Ipomoea, but it has larger flowers and smooth, hairless leaves. The name “tricolor” liana deserved, because in the process of formation, the flowers change their color three times. Still not fully developed buds will be red-violet. The opened flowers become blue or blue in color, and after withering they become pale pink. Examples of common varieties are Flying Saucer, Blue Star.
Popular varieties of morning glory with photos and descriptions
There are countless varieties of morning glory, and every summer resident can easily choose a bindweed to his liking. All of them differ in their biological characteristics, plant height, foliage shape, color and size of flowers.
Ipomoea Giselle
Variety Giselle – one of the varieties of Ipomoea Purple, was bred by breeders from the agricultural company Aelita. The height of an annual plant reaches 2,5 m. Bindweed is characterized by lush green foliage and flowers of a sky-blue hue, about 15 cm in diameter.
Abundant flowering lasts from June to late autumn, at least until the end of September. Planting in a permanent place is carried out in May using seeds or seedlings. The first shoots appear after 1 – 2 weeks. Seed germination is 92%. The Giselle variety, like most representatives of this genus, is undemanding to the composition of the soil and does not need special care.
Ipomoea flying saucer
Ipomoea seeds producer Flying saucer – Aelita agricultural firm. The variety belongs to the Tricolor species. Large flowers of the plant reach about 15 cm in diameter. The buds open as the sun rises, welcoming the start of a new day. The length of the shoots is 2,5 m. The foliage is dense, heart-shaped. The variety is perfect for shading sunny balconies, terraces and gazebos.
Flying saucer blooms from July until the start of frost. Planting is done by seedlings or seeds. Seedlings begin to appear a week after planting in the ground. Needs regular watering and fertilizing. It grows well in warm climates, on drained soil without excess organic fertilizers.
Ipomoea Raspberry caprice
Another novelty variety, bred by Aelita. Raspberry Caprice is a variety of Ipomoea Purple. The main distinguishing feature of the plant is the unusually bright color of flowers about 7 cm in size. The height of the vine is 2 m. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped.
Raspberry whim is one of the hardy and hardy varieties that grows well in temperate climates and blooms continuously from mid-summer until frost. Planting seeds in open ground is carried out at the end of May. The plant loves light and does not tolerate frost, it is unpretentious in care, the main thing is timely feeding, watering and loosening the soil.
Ipomoea sky blue
Ipomoea sky blue is a variety that belongs to the Ipomoea purple species. Beautiful funnel-shaped flowers, located on the shoots, are collected in inflorescences of 3-4 pieces. The diameter of the flowers is 8-10 cm. The height of the shoots is up to 2 m. The heart-shaped leaves of dark green color densely cover the stems.
Flowering in regions with a warm autumn climate is very long, lasting from early July to October. However, the plant does not tolerate severe frosts, the temperature is below 0 oC will already be critical. He loves warmth and sunlight, prefers loose, nutritious, limed soil. Responds poorly to stagnant water. Landing in open ground is carried out in May.
Ipomoea Beloved
Seeds of the agricultural firm “Gavrish”. The shoots of the plant are about 2 m long. Funnel-shaped flowers with a diameter of 5-6 cm in various shades. The Ipomoea Beloved variety is popular due to the fact that buds of several different shades can appear on one plant at once. It blooms from July to September, does not tolerate even light frosts. For planting, well-lit, slightly elevated places, nutritious soil without excess fertilizer are recommended.
Sowing seeds for seedlings begins in April. Landing in open ground is recommended in early May. The first sprouts appear after 6-14 days. Great for growing on a balcony.
Ipomoea Firmament
Variety Ipomoea Purple. In height, the liana grows up to 3 m, the length of the recumbent shoots reaches 8 m. As can be seen from the photo, Ipomoea Nebosvod blooms with large funnel-shaped sky-blue flowers from early July to early October.
Light-loving and drought-resistant plant that prefers loose and nutritious soil. Ipomoea Firmament loves the sun so much that during the day the pedicels constantly turn in its direction. Due to this, the flowers do not close at the first appearance of sunlight, but can stay open until the very evening, and in some cases until the next morning.
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in May at a temperature of +15 oC, seedlings in peat pots start growing from April. The first shoots should be expected in 6-14 days.
Ipomoea Picotti
One of the varieties of Ipomoea Nile. A distinctive characteristic is graceful semi-double flowers up to 10 cm in diameter, painted in crimson-red or blue-violet color with a white inner pharynx and edging along the edges. The height of the creeper is 2,5 – 3 m.
It begins to bloom early, towards the end of June the first buds form. Flowering ends in October. Likes sunny places, but also grows well in partial shade. Can be grown on a balcony. Landing in open ground is carried out in May, shoots should be expected in 1 – 2 weeks. Regular watering is important for the plant as the soil dries out and the periodic application of complex mineral dressings.
Ipomoea Ruby Lights
Sort of Ipomoea Kvamoklit. Bindweed with openwork bright green leaves and small (2 – 3 cm) flowers of a rich crimson hue. Shoots grow up to 3 m in height.
The flowering period is considered one of the longest and runs from June to the end of October. In temperate climates, Ipomoea Ruby Lights is recommended to be planted in open ground in May. Seedlings appear on the 5th – 10th day at a stable temperature of about 20 oC. Needs vertical support, prefers light partial shade, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is characterized by unpretentious care and low resistance to frost.
Ipomoea terry Serenade
Terry Serenade is one of the most unusual varieties that delights summer residents and gardeners. On the winding stems of Ipomoea Serenade there are large, single, double or semi-double flowers of a purple-pink hue with a white inner pharynx. The diameter of the flowers is 8 cm. Strong shoots are able to climb the support to a height of up to 2 m and decorate arches, fences and arbors with a bright, lush carpet.
Abundant flowering of the plant lasts from late July until the first autumn frosts. Planting seeds in peat pots for seedlings begins in March, in open ground – at the end of May. The first shoots appear from the second week.
Ipomoea Blue Star
Blue Star is one of the varieties of Ipomoea Tricolor. It grows in the form of a herbaceous vine with shoots from 3 to 5 m long, strewn with large flowers of a sky-blue hue with purple stripes resembling a star in shape. The internal pharynx is white. The stems are curly, strong, with lush foliage.
The optimal time for planting bindweed in open ground is the third week of May, the air temperature should not be lower than +18 oC. Sprouts break through after 1 to 2 weeks. Seedlings can be grown from February. In care, the liana is unpretentious, it develops well in a warm climate, loves sunny places. The peak of flowering falls in July and June.
Ipomoea Scarlet O’hara
The photo shows Ipomoea Scarlet O’Hara, which belongs to the Ipomoea Purple species. Bindweed quickly reaches a height of up to 2 m and embraces the support offered to it. Blooms profusely from June until frost. It has large flowers of crimson-pink color up to 10 cm in diameter and green heart-shaped foliage.
Ipomoea Scarlet O’Hara is planted in open ground at the end of May. Sprouts germinate on the 8th – 14th day. For abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide the plant with a sheltered from the wind, a sunny place on a hill and a light, nutritious soil without excess fertilizer. Like other varieties, it needs support.
Ipomoea Ultraviolet
As you can see from the photo, the flowers of Ipomoea Ultraviolet are distinguished by an unusually bright purple color. The seed producer is Aelita. In height, the liana grows up to 3 m, the diameter of the flowers is about 10 cm. This is an annual plant, which is characterized by the longest flowering periods, capturing the beginning of June and the end of September.
Planting and caring for Ipomoea Ultraviolet is quite simple. Seeds are planted in open ground in mid-May, in the future, bindweed needs regular moderate watering and fertilizer with the help of complex top dressings that maintain the necessary balance of nutrients in the soil.
Planting and caring for morning glory
Ipomoea is one of the most undemanding bindweeds to care for. After a short period of time after planting, the shoots begin to grow rapidly, wrapping around any supports that come across on the way. Follow-up care includes fertilizing the soil and regular watering.
When choosing a location for landing, it is worth giving preference to calm, elevated areas. You also need to choose nutritious and loose soil. The distance between seedlings should be at least 20 cm.
When to plant morning glory seeds
To form strong seedlings by May, morning glory seeds begin to be sown in peat pots at the end of March. Seeds germinate in about 10 days at a temperature of about +18 oC.
The best time for planting seedlings in the ground is the beginning of June. When transplanting, it is imperative to leave a basal earthen ball.
Planting seeds in open ground, as a rule, begins in May. Seeds of three are laid in pre-prepared holes.
morning glory care
First of all, it is necessary to provide good support for the vine: stretched wire is also suitable, but some gardeners prefer vertically installed nets. It is recommended to constantly check the direction of growth of the stems so that it is possible to correct it in time if necessary.
Systematic and moderate watering is extremely important. Bindweed does not tolerate drought or stagnant water. From May to August, the plant is watered, without waiting for the topsoil to dry completely.
How can I feed morning glory for abundant flowering
When applying top dressing, care must be taken not to overdo it. Excess fertilizer can have the opposite effect and provoke excessive development of the root system, from which the flowering process suffers in the first place. It is best to use complex fertilizers with a balanced level of nutrients.
The systematic application of top dressings with a high content of phosphorus and a small amount of nitrogen will help to make flowering abundant and stormy.
Possible problems in growing
Problems that arise when growing morning glory can depend on many factors, such as improper watering, stagnation of groundwater, excessive fertilization of the soil, or the wrong place. To avoid such difficulties, it is important to familiarize yourself with the information and recommendations offered by seed producers before planting.
Why morning glory does not bloom
The main reason that morning glory does not bloom is too nutritious and heavy soil. Despite the absence of flowering, the plant itself is actively stretched and covered with dense foliage. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily stop feeding and observe the condition of the bindweed.
Why Ipomoea only blooms in the morning
Due to biological characteristics, Ipomoea flowers open in the early morning before the bright sun appears and close closer to dinner. In rainy and cloudy weather, they can remain open all day.
The buds wither as soon as they close. Their life time is only 1 day, but new flowers immediately open to replace them the next morning.
Pests and diseases of climbing morning glory
The liana does not attract insects very actively, since it is a poisonous crop. Most often, morning glory can be affected by pests:
- Whitefly. The larvae of this butterfly suck the juice from the leaves, damaging their structure. Specialized chemicals and traps will help get rid of the whitefly.
- Aphids, a characteristic sign of the appearance of which is the formation of yellow spots on the leaves. Insects can be controlled with insecticides.
- Spider mite that appears with insufficient watering. First, along with the parts of the plant affected by the cobweb, the tick must be removed, then spray the bindweed with an insecticide and increase watering.
Among the diseases, the formation of viral and fungal pathologies, the defeat of white rust and various types of rot are often noted. In most cases, it is not possible to save the bindweed, therefore, to avoid infecting neighboring plants, it must be removed from the site and burned.
Ipomoea in landscape design + photo
Bindweed is widely used in landscape design; with the help of morning glory, flower beds, various buildings, hedges, fences and walls of houses are decorated.
A great option would be to grow morning glory outdoors in a pot or hanging planter.
Ipomoea also looks interesting on the fence.
If you plant a bindweed next to another tree, over time it will beautifully braid the branches and trunk.
After flowering is over, the dense carpet of foliage takes on a yellowish-red hue, which makes the plant look no less attractive.
The look goes well with coniferous plants due to the contrast, as well as with other bindweed crops. Planting next to particularly valuable fruit trees is not recommended, as Ipomoea can use them as a support.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for the annual morning glory is very simple, the plant is completely undemanding to growing conditions and soil composition. However, the result exceeds all possible expectations, as evidenced by the many positive reviews of summer residents and professional gardeners.
