Moon Flower

Moonflower is a beautiful twining vine which grows fast in really hot weather. It is a tender tropical perennial but it is now growing popularity as an annual vine even in colder areas. Planted near a deck or porch, the heavenly fragrance of moon flower permeates the air in the whole garden. Hence, Moonflower a great choice for anyone who loves evening gardening.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Solanales

Family

Convolvulaceae

Genus

Ipomoea

Species

alba

Facts About Ipomoea species

• Ipomoea species includes a collection of annual and perennial twining vines and herbaceous flowering plants.
• Ipomoea species plants grow to a height of 5-30 m tall having twining stems.
• The leaves of Ipomoea species are entire or three-lobed, 5-15 cm long, with a 5-20 cm long stem.
• As the name indicates, Moonflowers are round in shape like a full moon, blooming in the evening.
• Ipomoea species are cultivated as ornamental plants, but in colder areas grown as annual plants.
• Ipomoea species are grown for trellises, fences, hanging baskets, or walls.
• Some of the seeds and parts of the plants of Ipomoea species are poisonous in nature.

Growing Ipomoeas

Propagation is usually by seed. In some areas it is causing problems in agricultural settings. For better results of germination, before sowing, nick the seed with a knife or soak them in water for 8 hours.

• Select a well drained soil.
• Plant 2-3 seeds about 1 inch deep.
• Give support to the plant about 10-12 feet.
• Water the plants regularly by keeping the plants evenly moist.
• Fertilize with liquid plant fertilizer, once or twice later in the summer.

Caring Ipomoeas

• Water your plants on a regular basis.
• Check plants regularly for fungus, insects, bugs, etc.
• Dicard any diseased or dying leaves.
• Spray insects with water or other natural repellents to get rid of them.
• Moonflower plants should be pruned after the frost.
• Use small amounts of liquid fertilizers.
• Trim plants to keep their shape which encourages growth.