Today’s Garden Ideas | Morning Glories-Climbing Beauty

Morning Glories-Climbing Beauty

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Morning Glories At A Glance

Morning Glories with their flowers of white, purple, crimson, or red will display brilliant color from summer until first frost. Morning Glories are fairly easy to grow in that they will quickly grasp on to just about any type of trellis or structure. The flowers are funnel-shaped and the leaves look like little hearts. Morning Glories get their name because the flowers open at dawn and close by late morning. On overcast days they will stay open.

Varieties

The old-fashioned Morning Glory I. Tricolor has blooms in white, pink, purple, or blue. The flower centers are lighter and stripes

can be found on the blooms. ‘Pearly Gates’ is a snow white Morning Glory with bright yellow centers. Sunrise Morning Glories are pastel and a rarity amongst Morning Glories as their flowers stay open most of the day.

If you want a larger Morning Glory try Japanese Imperial Morning Glories. The Japanese Imperial variety ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ and the tan ‘Chocolate’ are quite spectacular. Or you might prefer the pinks and blues of ‘Early Call’. ‘Early Call’ is an especially good choice for the impatient gardener as they start flowering when the plants are young.

Moonflower is aptly named. This pure white bloom opens its petals at sunset and on cloudy days. They stay open well into the night.

Cardinal Climber is a little different from the other Morning Glories. The flowers are a bold red and star-like. The leaves are not heart-shaped but are divided into narrow strips.

Planting Locations

Try planting Morning Glories on fences and walls. They climb like a vine but planted at the top of these structures they will spill over like a cascade. Morning Glory looks lovely growing up a mailbox post, tree trunk or a simple trellis placed against your home. You might also try planting Morning Glories in front of unsightly views as they grow so rapidly.

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If you need some quick groundcover Morning Glories are your flower. They will rapidly spreadout to form a spectacular carpet of color. Just keep an eye on them as they will quickly grow up and into shrubs and flowers.

If you want a waterfall in your backyard try planting ‘Heavenly Blue’ in a hanging container. The blooms look-like a waterfall cascading down from the pot.

Plant Buddies

Morning Glories can be a background flower for other brightly colored annuals. Try mixing ‘Brigsil’ with its large purple flowers with ‘Heavenly Blue’ and its bluish purple blooms. Or plant Moonflower with its evening blooms along with some day blooming Morning Glories for round the clock flowers.

Blue blossoms of I. Hederacea are a perfect background to brighter summer flowers. Black-eyed Susans really pop against the blue Morning Glories. Sunflowers are another yellow bloom that stands out against I. Hederacea. A kaleidoscope of colors from the blooms of Zinnias and Coreopsis have a soft background to stand out against if you plant ‘Sunrise’ Morning Glory with its pastel flowers.

Purchasing & Planting

When purchasing Morning Glories it is best to buy fresh seeds. Check the seed packet to make sure the seeds are current. Or, if you do not want to wait for the seeds to grow, try purchasing healthy looking seedlings. Do not purchase plants with yellow leaves or those grown in plastic pots. Only purchase plants in peat pots.

To grow plants from seeds begin after the last frost. Soak the seeds for about 24 hours in warm water. The seeds will sprout faster. Dig the soil in your Morning Glory garden with a garden fork. Remove all the stones and rocks you find. Install your supports if you plan on using them as the young plants will grab onto them almost immediately. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep. Plant about 2-3 seeds at 1-foot intervals. Cover with soil. Water the Morning Glory plants regularly, especially during dry periods.

Growing Tips

Morning Glories love full sun and will grow quite nicely in partial shade. While they do flower best in full sun, grown in hot climates, Morning Glories might like some shade during the day. Soil needs to be well-drained and average. If the soil is too rich you may get more vine and less flowers.

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Plant Morning Glories away from areas that get strong winds as the leaves and flowers will get damaged. If you live in an area that is subject to spring frosts then start your Morning Glory plants indoors in peat pots. Plant the seeds about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.

Watch out for whiteflies. These insects will gather on the underside of leaves, sucking on the plants, and causing the leaves to turn yellow. Warm weather and stagnant air will also increase the likelihood of white flies settling on your Morning Glories. If present, spray with an insecticide during the summer.

Quick Facts

Morning Glories can spread up to 4 feet wide and 20 feet hight. They grow in all zones in full sun to partial shade. These plants like average soil that is well-drained for maximum blooming. Morning Glories are easy to grow. They are good climbers and spread quickly. Some varieties have a lovely fragrance. These annuals bloom in summer and continue until first frost.