Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Convolvulaceae
Botanical Name
Ipomoea
Plant Common Name
Ipomoea
General Description
Ipomoea is a large genus of more than 500 species of annual or perennial plants. These may be climbers, trailers or occasionally shrubs. The perennials may be evergreen or deciduous and all originate from warm-temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions worldwide. Most have large funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in the morning or evening.
The leaves of Ipomoea alternate on the stem and may be simple, divided, toothed or deeply lobed. The flowers are funnel-shaped, tubular and have distinct vein-like ridges in the center. The blooms are borne singly or in groups and may be white, red, pink, blue, purple, yellow or orange. Their seeds are hard and produced in a capsule.
Many useful plants are in Ipomoea. Some have medicinal properties while others are grown as ornamentals or for food. Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a staple crop grown in warm regions across the globe and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) has been used as a vegetable for centuries. But, it is the many ornamental species that most gardeners know best. The huge white blooms of the night-flowering Ipomoea alba (moonflower) are outstanding. The bright red hummingbird flowers of Ipomoea coccinea (red morning glory) create a great show and the sky blue blooms of the classic morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor) are the most garden-worthy of all.
Overall, most Ipomoea need full sun, warm temperatures and fertile soil with ample drainage. But hardiness and culture is truly species dependent. Many are easily grown from seed if the hard seed coats are broken with a file or abraded with sand paper, soaked overnight in water before planting. The perennial and shrubby types are propagated by cuttings. All vines and large-leaved Ipomoea should be protected from high winds.
There may be health concerns about the seeds of this plant, for more information see http://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/poisplant/tox-com.htm or http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ento/WILD_I-J.HTM#ITRICOLOR
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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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)
Green
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Bark Color
Green, Brown
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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
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
