Common morning glory(Ipomoea purpurea)

Common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

Also known as: Purple morning-glory

The common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) originates from Mexico and Central America. It is often cultivated for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. However, it has spread and naturalized in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. In many areas, it is regarded as invasive because it tends to grow aggressively and outcompete local vegetation.

In This Article
Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Common morning glory

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Vine, Herb
Plant Height
2 m to 3 m
Spread
90 cm to 1.8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 6 cm
Flower Color
White Purple Blue Pink Red

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Images of Common morning glory

Common morning glory(Ipomoea purpurea)
Common morning glory(Ipomoea purpurea)
Common morning glory(Ipomoea purpurea)
Common morning glory(Ipomoea purpurea)

Quickly Identify Common morning glory

1
Heart-shaped leaves with smooth margins and pointed apex, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long.
2
Vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in colors like purple, blue, pink, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide.
3
Distinctive globoid capsule fruit with dark, wedge-shaped seeds, 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) diameter.
4
Brown-purple twining stem with fine hairs, 0.25 inches (6 mm) thick, climbing habit.
5
Thrives in various soils, self-seeding, robust nature with rapid growth up to 6-10 feet (180-300 cm).

Scientific Classification of Common morning glory

Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies
Family
Morning-glory
Genus
Morning glories
Species
Common morning glory

Planting and Growing of Common morning glory

Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
65-85℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic

water icon How to Water Common morning glory?

For Ipomoea purpurea, the watering needs should mimic the plant's natural environment, offering moisture without waterlogging the soil. Water until the top 2 inches of soil are moist, ensuring the water drains well. Ideal watering should leave the soil neither too dry nor sopping wet, striking a balance perfect for growth.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Common morning glory? ›
What should I do if my Common morning glory is not getting enough water? ›
What are the symptoms of an overwatered Common morning glory? ›
How to save an overwatered Common morning glory? ›

sunlight icon What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Common morning glory?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun
Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours
Ipomoea purpurea requires full sun ideally or partial sun for 6 to 8 hours daily, promoting photosynthesis and vigorous flowering. Optimal light conditions contribute to lush, dense growth and eye-catching blooms.
What is the best lighting condition for Ipomoea purpurea? ›
How can I ensure my plant gets ideal lighting? ›
What happens if Ipomoea purpurea receives optimal sunlight? ›

temperature icon What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Common morning glory?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 85℉
Ipomoea purpurea thrives best within a temperature range of 65°F to 85°F. This range supports healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Consistent warmth during the growing season will ensure optimal development, highlighting the importance of maintaining temperatures within this span.

soil icon What Soil is Best for Common morning glory?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam
Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5
Ipomoea purpurea thrives in well-draining soil that prevents water-logging, ensuring roots can breathe. Proper drainage reduces root rot risks, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. This plant excels in nutrient-rich soil, which supports vigorous growth and lush foliage. Incorporating organic matter like compost enhances soil fertility, providing essential nutrients. Balanced moisture retention with aeration keeps the plant hydrated without suffocating roots. Sandy loam achieves this, ensuring consistent growth and reducing drought stress.

fertilize icon How to Fertilize Common morning glory?

Fertilizer type: Balanced
Ipomoea purpurea, commonly known as morning glory, requires balanced fertilization to thrive. For liquid fertilizers, use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK formulation diluted at half strength. For slow-release fertilizers, follow the packaging instructions to avoid excessive application. This ensures the nutrients are absorbed efficiently without overwhelming the plant's roots.

prune icon How to Prune Common morning glory?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer
Begin by identifying any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves. Remove these parts first, cutting as close to the base as possible to encourage new, healthy growth. After removing unhealthy growth, step back and assess the plant. Prune to shape it, focusing on removing overcrowded or crossing branches. This will help to maintain an aesthetically pleasing form while promoting good air circulation. Pinching the tips of the vines will encourage the plant to grow bushier and fuller. Simply use your fingers or scissors to snip off the tips of long vines, prompting more side shoots to develop.

propagate icon How to Propagate Common morning glory plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer
1
Use a well-draining soil mixture that retains moisture for seed planting. Ensure the soil is free of contaminants and pests to promote healthy seed growth.
2
Place seeds in the prepared soil, pressing them lightly to ensure contact with the soil. Cover them lightly with soil and water gently to initiate germination.
3
Select healthy stems and make clean cuts just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, to reduce moisture loss and improve rooting success.

repot icon How to Repot Common morning glory plant?

Repotting frequency: Annually
1
Look for signs like roots poking out from the pot or slower growth than usual as an indicator for repotting. On observing these signs, it's time to move it to a roomier pot.
2
Choose a pot that’s one size bigger with ample drainage holes. Adequate space prevents root binding, while drainage holes ensure excess water doesn't drown the roots, promoting healthier growth.
3
Use a well-draining potting mix with ingredients like perlite and peat. Such a mix prevents waterlogging, ensuring that roots receive both moisture and oxygen for thriving growth.

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Toxicity of Common morning glory

Is Common morning glory toxic to humans?

The common morning glory is known to harbor alkaloids which can be toxic to humans when consumed. The level of poisoning tends to be mild, generally leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea; however, large quantities may induce confusion and anxiety. Special care should be taken with the seeds, as they possess the highest concentrations of toxic substances. Children are particularly at risk for poisoning from this plant due to their attraction to its large, vibrant flowers.

Is Common morning glory toxic to cat?

The common morning glory presents a toxicity hazard for cats, particularly through its seeds. If a cat consumes these harmful components, it might exhibit signs of physical distress or illness. Cats typically experience poisoning through unintentional ingestion of the seeds. In these cases, swift veterinary intervention is crucial to address any health issues that may stem from such exposure. To avert accidental consumption and the risk of poisoning, it is vital to ensure common morning glory is kept out of cats' reach.

Is Common morning glory toxic to dog?

The common morning glory is identified as a plant with toxic properties for dogs. Canines may suffer from poisoning due to the accidental consumption of this plant, particularly when they mistakenly ingest it. The primary danger lies in the seeds, which are recognized as the most harmful components of the common morning glory. If a dog consumes these seeds, it may display symptoms including gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, or more severe manifestations dependent on the quantity ingested. It is essential for dog owners to closely observe their pets and restrict their access to common morning glory, especially in areas where the seeds may be reachable. Should a dog consume any portion of the common morning glory, especially the seeds, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary assistance to guarantee timely and effective treatment.

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WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.