Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Ipomoea tricolor or Morning Glory

The genus Ipomoea, family Convolvulaceae, comprises 300 species of climbing plants native to America and Africa. Some species are: Ipomoea tricolor, Ipomoea purpurea, Ipomoea lobata, Ipomoea indica, Ipomoea cairica, Ipomaea alba, Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea hederacea, Ipomoea coccinea.

Common names: Mexican morning glory, Heavenly Blue Morning Glory, Morning Glory, Pearly Gates Morning Glory. This species is distributed by the region between the south of the USA and the north of South America.

They are perennial herbaceous plants with thin stems and a climbing habit that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in length. They have deep green heart-shaped leaves. The flowers only open for one day but do not stop blooming during the summer and part of the fall. These flowers can be blue, white or pink, are funnel-shaped and appear in groups of 3-4 specimens.

These fast growing plants are used to cover lattices, walls or pergolas and in pots for terraces, patios and greenhouses.

The Ipomoea tricolor prefers a full sun exposure protected from the wind and cold. They do not resist frost; they lose their leaves at temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil must contain abundant organic matter and be well drained. Transplant in early spring if the roots show below the pot.

Water frequently so that the substrate is always damp (never overwater); they do not withstand drought.

Fertilize in autumn with compost and with mineral fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.

Prune after flowering to control growth because they tend to be invasive. Also prune faded flowers to favor the appearance of new ones.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases; they only fear drought and flooding.

They propagate easily from seeds sown in spring previously submerged for 12 hours in warm water.

Images of the climbing plant Ipomoea tricolor or Morning Glory