Scientific Name
Ipomoea alba L.
Common Name(s)
Moonflower, Moon Vine, Tropical White Morning Glory
Synonym(s)
Calonyction aculeatum, Calonyction album, Calonyction bona-nox, Calonyction pulcherrimum, Calonyction speciosum, Convolvulus aculeatus, Convolvulus bona-nox, Convolvulus pulcherrimus, Ipomoea aculeata var. bona-nox, Ipomoea aculeata f. bonanox, Ipomoea bona-nox
Scientific Classification
Family: Convolvulaceae
Tribe: Ipomoeeae
Genus: Ipomoea
Flower
Color: Red, pink or white
Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
Description
Ipomoea alba is a perennial herbaceous liana with twining stems. It grows up to 100 feet (30 m) tall. Leaves are entire or three-lobed, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, with an up to 8 inches (20 cm) long stem. Flowers are white, fragrant, and up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) in diameter. They are open quickly in the evening and last through the night, remaining open until touched by the morning sun.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 12b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 60 °F (15.6 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Most species have spectacular, colorful flowers and are often grown as ornamentals, and many cultivars have been developed. In the garden, Ipomoeas need moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Provide shelter from the wind. Prune climbing species in spring. Under glass, provide full light with protection from the hottest sun. Water freely and fertilize monthly during the growing season, but water sparingly in winter. Climbers and trailing species need support. Chip seeds with a knife, scrape with sandpaper, or soak in water 24 hours before sowing at 64° F (18° C) in spring.
Root softwood cuttings of perennials or shrubs in spring or summer, or take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. White blister, rust, fungal leaf spots, stem rot, thread blight, charcoal rot, and wilt can occur.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Ipomoea.
Origin
This species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the New World, from northern Argentina north to Mexico and Florida.
Links
- Back to genus Ipomoea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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