Content
- 1 General description of annual morning glory
- 2 Types of morning glory
- 3 Popular varieties of morning glory with photos and descriptions
- 3.1 Morning glory Giselle
- 3.2 Morning Glory Flying Saucer
- 3.3 Morning glory Raspberry whim
- 3.4 Morning glory sky blue
- 3.5 Morning Glory
- 3.6 Morning glory Firmament
- 3.7 Morning glory picoti
- 3.8 Morning glory ruby lights
- 3.9 Ipomoea terry Serenade
- 3.10 Morning Glory Blue Star
- 3.11 Morning glory Scarlett O'hara
- 3.12 Morning Glory Ultraviolet
- 4 Planting and caring for morning glory
- 5 Morning glory care
- 6 Pests and diseases of climbing morning glory
- 7 Morning glory in landscape design + photo
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Reviews
Planting and caring for annual morning glory is not difficult. Thanks to its long and abundant flowering, bright, large buds and its low maintenance requirements, the plant has gained wide popularity in Russia.
General description of annual morning glory
Morning glory grows in the form of a shrub, herb, vine or low tree. This is a plant that is famous for the rapid growth of shoots reaching 5 m in length.As can be seen from the photo of the annual morning glory, with their help the bindweed clings to various supports, turning nondescript objects into unique elements of country decor.
Funnel-shaped flowers grow on thin stalks; their size, depending on the type and variety, ranges from 5 to 15 cm in diameter. There are plain and patterned flowers that can be painted in a wide variety of shades: such as white, blue, light blue, red, pink or purple.
Morning glory has a long flowering period. When the old buds fall off, new flowers appear in their place almost immediately and seed boxes are formed. In temperate climates, flowering for most varieties begins in June and ends in September; some varieties continue to please the eye until the first October frosts.
The liana can often be found in tropical and subtropical climates. In such conditions, bindweed can develop and bloom for many years. However, due to the harsh winters in central Russia, morning glory is grown only as an annual plant.
Morning glory is considered a heat-loving and light-loving plant that develops well in calcareous soil and prefers places illuminated by the sun's rays on a slight elevation. Reacts poorly to drafts, frosts, and prolonged rains.
Planting and caring for annual Morning Glory in open ground is quite simple. Timely watering, loosening and weeding of the soil is important for it. The liana needs support, which can be stretched wire or twine. Feed the bindweed with fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus.
Types of morning glory
The morning glory genus is considered one of the largest in the bindweed family and has about 450 - 500 plant species. Of this large number, only 25 are used for decorative purposes. The article presents the most popular types.
Morning Glory Purple
One of the most popular varieties of Morning Glory comes from Central and South America. Depending on the variety, its shoots can reach 8 m in length. On average, the diameter of the funnel-shaped flowers is about 7 cm. The buds can be red, purple, violet, lilac and bluish. Bindweed is widely used for decoration in landscape design.
Popular varieties of morning glory:
- Giselle;
- Raspberry whim;
- Scarlett O'Hara;
- Sky blue;
- firmament;
- Ultraviolet.
Morning glory Cairo
This is a species of morning glory that grows in the form of a perennial herbaceous vine with tuberous roots. Its homeland is Africa and Asia; in Russia, Cairo morning glory is grown as an annual.
Bindweed grows up to 4 m in height. The stems of the plant can be climbing or recumbent, with elliptical dark green leaves ranging in size from 3 to 10 cm, located on long petioles. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 3 - 6 cm in diameter, red, lilac, purple or white. Collected in inflorescences of several pieces.
Abundant flowering occurs from July to September. The plant can withstand frosts down to -7 oC, loves well-moistened soil and sunny places.
Morning Glory Moonflower
Ipomoea Moonflower is one of the most beautiful types of herbaceous vines recommended for vertical gardening. The plant received this name due to its biological characteristics.Large snow-white buds open only after sunset and close again when it first appears.
Bindweed reaches 3 m in height. The spreading shoots bear dense dark green foliage and flowers about 10 cm in diameter, shaped like gramophones.
The main flowering period falls in July and August, but some plants can bloom until the onset of cold weather. Planting in open ground is carried out in early May. The first shoots from seeds appear in 5 - 9 days. Prefers neutral sandy or loamy soil.
Morning glory Nile
Morning glory Nile is a perennial plant in nature, but in central Russia it is cultivated as an annual. Curly, highly branched shoots with characteristic pubescence reach a height of up to 3 m. The flowers are pink, red, blue, purple or lavender in color. It differs from other species in the star-shaped structure of the flower, the presence of a white border along the edge and small “wrinkles” on the petals. Flowering lasts from mid-summer to October.
This type of morning glory is widespread in Japan, popular varieties:
- Kiozaki;
- Picoti;
- Blue bliss.
Morning glory Ivy-shaped
Morning glory Ivy is native to tropical America. The length of the branched stems is 2 - 3 m. Large heart-shaped leaves are similar to ivy foliage. The flowers are funnel-shaped, sky blue, up to 5 cm in size. But there are also burgundy, pink and red buds. Flowering lasts from July to mid-October. The species is famous for its high frost resistance down to -7 oC.
The most popular variety is Roman Candy. Due to the fact that the plant is considered harmful weed, it is recommended to grow it exclusively using the hanging method, in hanging pots.
Morning glory tricolor
Tricolor Morning Glory looks very similar to Purple Morning Glory, but it has larger flowers and smooth, hairless leaves. The name “three-colored” vine has been earned because during the formation process the flowers change their color three times. Not yet fully developed buds will be red-violet. Opened flowers acquire a blue or blue color, and after wilting they become pale pink. Examples of common varieties are Flying Saucer and Blue Star.
Popular varieties of morning glory with photos and descriptions
There are countless varieties of morning glory, and every summer resident can easily choose a bindweed to his liking. They all differ in their biological characteristics, plant height, foliage shape, color and size of flowers.
Morning glory Giselle
The Giselle variety is one of the varieties of Ipomoea purpurea, which was bred by breeders from the Russian agricultural company Aelita. The height of the annual plant reaches 2.5 m. Bindweed is characterized by lush green foliage and sky-blue flowers, about 15 cm in diameter.
Abundant flowering lasts from June until late autumn, at least until the end of September. Planting in a permanent place is carried out in May using seeds or seedlings. The first shoots appear after 1 - 2 weeks. Seed germination is 92%. The Giselle variety, like most representatives of this genus, is undemanding in terms of soil composition and does not require special care.
Morning Glory Flying Saucer
The manufacturer of morning glory seeds Flying Saucer is the Aelita agricultural company.The variety belongs to the Tricolor species. The large flowers of the plant reach about 15 cm in diameter. The buds open as the sun rises, welcoming the start of a new day. The length of the shoots is 2.5 m. The foliage is dense, heart-shaped. The variety is perfect for shading sunny balconies, terraces and gazebos.
The Flying Saucer blooms from July until the onset of frost. Planting is done through seedlings or seeds. Shoots begin to appear a week after planting in the ground. Needs regular watering and fertilizing. Grows well in warm climates, in well-drained soil without excess organic fertilizers.
Morning glory Raspberry whim
Another new variety, bred by Aelita. Raspberry caprice is a variety of Ipomoea purpurea. The main distinguishing feature of the plant is the unusually bright color of the flowers, about 7 cm in size. The height of the vine is 2 m. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped.
Raspberry whim is one of the unpretentious and hardy varieties that grows well in temperate climates and blooms continuously from mid-summer until frost. Seeds are planted in open ground at the end of May. The plant loves light and does not tolerate frost, it is unpretentious in care, the main thing is timely feeding, watering and loosening the soil.
Morning glory sky blue
Ipomoea Skyblue is a variety that belongs to the species Ipomoea purpurea. Beautiful funnel-shaped flowers located on the shoots are collected in inflorescences of 3 - 4 pieces. The diameter of the flowers is 8 - 10 cm. The height of the shoots is up to 2 m. Heart-shaped leaves of dark green color densely cover the stems.
Flowering in regions with a warm autumn climate is very long, lasting from early July to October.However, the plant does not tolerate severe frosts, temperatures below 0 oC will already be critical. Loves warmth and sunlight, prefers loose, nutritious, limed soil. Reacts poorly to stagnant water. Planting in open ground occurs in May.
Morning Glory
Seeds of the agricultural company "Gavrish". The shoots of the plant are about 2 m long. Funnel-shaped flowers with a diameter of 5 - 6 cm of various shades. The Ipomoea Beloved variety is popular due to the fact that buds of several different shades can appear on one plant at once. It blooms from July to September and does not tolerate even mild frosts. For planting, well-lit, slightly elevated places, nutritious soil without excess fertilizer are recommended.
Sowing seeds for seedlings begins in April. It is recommended to plant in open ground in early May. The first shoots appear after 6 - 14 days. Great for growing on the balcony.
Morning glory Firmament
Variety of Ipomoea purpurea. The vine grows up to 3 m in height, the length of the recumbent shoots reaches 8 m. As can be seen from the photo, Ipomoea Nebosvod blooms with large funnel-shaped sky-blue flowers from the beginning of July to the first days of October.
A light-loving and drought-resistant plant that prefers loose and nutritious soil. Ipomoea Nebovod loves the sun so much that during the day the flower stalks constantly turn towards it. Thanks to this, the flowers do not close at the first appearance of sunlight, but can remain open until the evening, and in some cases, until the next morning.
Sowing seeds in open ground is carried out in May at temperatures from +15 oC, seedlings in peat pots begin to be grown in April. The first shoots should be expected in 6 - 14 days.
Morning glory picoti
One of the varieties of Ipomoea Nile. A distinctive characteristic is the elegant semi-double flowers up to 10 cm in diameter, colored crimson-red or blue-violet with a white inner throat and edging around the edges. The height of the vine is 2.5 - 3 m.
It begins to bloom early, with the first buds forming towards the end of June. Flowering ends in October. Loves sunny places, but also grows well in partial shade. Can be grown on the balcony. Planting in open ground is carried out in May, seedlings should be expected in 1 - 2 weeks. Regular watering as the soil dries out and periodic application of complex mineral fertilizers are important for the plant.
Morning glory ruby lights
Ipomoea variety Kvamoklit. Convolvulus with openwork bright green leaves and small (2 - 3 cm) flowers of a rich crimson hue. Shoots grow up to 3 m in height.
The flowering period is considered one of the longest and lasts from June to the end of October. In temperate climates, Ipomoea Ruby Lights is recommended to be planted in open ground in May. Shoots appear on the 5th – 10th day at a stable temperature of about 20 oC. The plant needs vertical support, prefers light partial shade, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is characterized by low maintenance and low resistance to frost.
Ipomoea terry Serenade
Terry Serenade is one of the most unusual varieties, arousing the admiration of summer residents and gardeners. On the climbing stems of Ipomoea Serenada there are large, single, double or semi-double flowers of a purple-pink hue with a white inner throat.The diameter of the flowers is 8 cm. Strong shoots are able to climb a support to a height of up to 2 m and decorate arches, fences and gazebos with a bright, lush carpet.
The abundant flowering of the plant lasts from the end of July until the first autumn frosts. Planting seeds in peat pots for seedlings begins in March, in open ground - at the end of May. The first shoots appear in the second week.
Morning Glory Blue Star
Blue Star is one of the varieties of Ipomoea tricolor. It grows in the form of a herbaceous vine with shoots 3 to 5 m long, strewn with large sky-blue flowers with purple stripes resembling a star in shape. The internal pharynx is white. The stems are curly, strong, with lush foliage.
The optimal time for planting bindweed in open ground is the third week of May, the air temperature should not be lower than +18 oC. Sprouts emerge after 1 - 2 weeks. Seedlings can be grown starting in February. The vine is unpretentious in care, develops well in warm climates, and loves sunny places. Peak flowering occurs in July and June.
Morning glory Scarlett O'hara
The photo shows Ipomoea Scarlet O'Hara, which belongs to the species Ipomoea purpurea. The bindweed quickly reaches a height of up to 2 m and clasps the support offered to it. Blooms profusely from June until frost. It has large raspberry-pink flowers up to 10 cm in diameter and green heart-shaped foliage.
Ipomoea Scarlet O'Hara is planted in open ground at the end of May. The sprouts sprout on the 8th – 14th day. For abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide the plant with a sheltered, sunny, elevated place from the wind and light, nutritious soil without excess fertilizer. Like other varieties, it needs support.
Morning Glory Ultraviolet
As you can see from the photo, the flowers of Ipomoea Ultraviolet are distinguished by an unusually bright purple color. The seed producer is the Aelita company. The liana grows up to 3 m in height, the diameter of the flowers is about 10 cm. This is an annual plant, which is characterized by the longest flowering period, spanning the beginning of June and the end of September.
Planting and caring for Ipomoea Ultraviolet is quite simple. Seeds are planted in open ground in mid-May; subsequently, bindweed requires regular moderate watering and fertilization using complex fertilizers that ensure the necessary balance of nutrients is maintained in the soil.
Planting and caring for morning glory
Morning glory is one of the most unpretentious bindweeds to care for. After a short period of time after planting, the shoots begin to grow rapidly, twining around any supports that come across the path. Subsequent care includes fertilizing the soil and regular watering.
When choosing a location for planting, you should give preference to windless, elevated areas. You also need to choose nutritious and loose soil. The distance between seedlings should be at least 20 cm.
When to plant morning glory seeds
To form strong seedlings by May, morning glory seeds begin to be sown in peat pots at the end of March. Seeds germinate in approximately 10 days at a temperature of about +18 oC.
The best time to plant seedlings in the ground is early June. When replanting, it is imperative to leave a root ball of earth.
Planting seeds in open ground usually begins in May. Seeds, three at a time, are placed in prepared holes.
Morning glory care
First of all, it is necessary to provide good support for the vine: stretched wire will do, but some gardeners prefer vertically installed mesh. It is recommended to constantly check the direction of growth of the stems so that it can be adjusted in a timely manner if necessary.
Systematic and moderate watering is extremely important. Bindweed does not tolerate drought or stagnant water. From May to August, the plant is watered without waiting for the top layer of soil to completely dry.
How can I feed morning glory for abundant flowering?
When applying fertilizing, you must be careful not to overdo it. Excess fertilizer can lead to the opposite effect and provoke excessive development of the root system, which primarily affects the flowering process. It is best to use complex fertilizers with balanced levels of nutrients.
Systematic application of fertilizing with a high phosphorus content and a small amount of nitrogen will help to make flowering abundant and vigorous.
Possible problems during cultivation
Problems that arise when growing morning glory can depend on many factors, such as improper watering, stagnant groundwater, excessive soil fertilization, or the wrong location. To avoid such difficulties, it is important to familiarize yourself with the information and recommendations offered by seed manufacturers before planting.
Why does morning glory not bloom?
The main reason that morning glory does not bloom is that the soil is too nutritious and heavy.Despite the lack of flowering, the plant itself is actively stretching and becoming covered with dense foliage. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily stop feeding and observe the condition of the bindweed.
Why does morning glory bloom only in the morning?
Due to biological characteristics, morning glory flowers open in the early morning before the bright sun appears and close towards lunchtime. In rainy and cloudy weather they can remain open all day.
The buds wither immediately after they close. Their lifespan is only 1 day, but new flowers immediately open to replace them the next morning.
Pests and diseases of climbing morning glory
The vine does not attract insects very actively, since it is a poisonous crop. Most often, morning glory can be affected by pests:
- Whitefly. The larvae of this butterfly suck the juice from the leaves, damaging their structure. Specialized chemicals and traps will help get rid of whiteflies.
- Aphids, a characteristic sign of which is the formation of yellow spots on the leaves. You can control insects with the help of insecticides.
- Spider mites that appear when there is insufficient watering. First, along with the parts of the plant affected by the web, the mite must be removed, then the bindweed should be sprayed with an insecticide and watering should be increased.
Among the diseases, the formation of viral and fungal pathologies, white rust and various types of rot are often noted. In most cases, it is not possible to save bindweed, so to avoid infecting neighboring plants, it must be removed from the site and burned.
Morning glory in landscape design + photo
Bindweed is widely used in landscape design; morning glory is used to decorate flower beds, various buildings, hedges, fences and house walls.
An excellent option would be to grow morning glory outdoors in a pot or hanging planter.
Morning glory also looks interesting on the fence.
If you plant bindweed next to another tree, over time it will beautifully entwine the branches and trunk.
After flowering ends, the thick carpet of foliage acquires a yellowish-red tint, which allows the plant to look no less attractive.
The species also goes well with coniferous plants due to the contrast, as well as with other bindweed crops. Planting next to particularly valuable fruit trees is not recommended, since morning glory may use them as a support.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for annual morning glory is very simple; the plant is completely undemanding in terms of growing conditions and soil composition. However, the result exceeds all possible expectations, as evidenced by many positive reviews from summer residents and professional gardeners.
I’ve been growing morning glory for many years to decorate the highway, but I didn’t know there were so many varieties. Morning glory grows by self-sowing and stretches on cords to the roof. By the beginning of August it creates a beautiful dense screen. Now I will look for more red varieties.