James H. Schutte
Family
Convolvulaceae
Botanical Name
IPOMOEA carnea ssp. fistulosa
Plant Common Name
Bush Morning Glory, Gloria de la Mañana, Shrub Ipomoea
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Tall and lanky, the branch tips of the bush morning glory bear clusters of pink funnel-shaped flowers when weather is warm. A frost-tender shrub from Mexico to Brazil, its lowest stem reaches become woody, but in frosty regions it usually is killed back to the ground and quickly rejuvenates in spring.
The leaves are narrowly oval with long tapering tips and are a primary distinguishing feature to avoid confusion with the noxious vining weed Ipomoaea cairica that has five-lobed leaves. In the warm months, when soil moisture is present, the tall, somewhat floppy and hollow stems are topped in clusters of rosy pink flowers with violet-pink throats. It attracts hummingbirds and long-tongued butterflies. It usually fails to self-sow itself in the landscape.
Grow bush morning glory in full to partial sun in a fertile, well-draining soil that is moist. Too much shade and the plant reduces flowering and becomes so leggy it flops its tall stems more than usual. In windy spots this tropical shrub should be staked, or pinched back in spring so that more branching occurs. Use it as a background plant in a mixed border where the stems will not flop into walkways or overpower nearby shrubs. It will grow as an herbaceous perennial in mild winter regions where occasional light frosts and freezes occur.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 13
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6'-10' / 1.8m - 3.0m
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Width
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
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Native To
Mexico, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Gray Green
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Bark Color
Green, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
