Please note: Acorn Express Tram Tours are canceled today due to maintenance needs and will resume later this week
The Morton Arboretum Get tickets
Browse Trees and Plants

Common morning glory (ANNUAL VINE)

Ipomoea purpurea

Common names:
common morning glory

Content Detail

Common morning glory is a well-loved annual vine that produces an abundance of colorful flowers from mid-summer into autumn. Numerous cultivars are available as seeds.

  • Family (English) Morning glory
  • Family (botanic) Convolvulaceae
  • Tree or plant type Vine
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Season of interest midsummer, late summer, early fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Blue, Purple, Red, White
  • Shape or form Vining
  • Growth rate Fast

Size and Method of Climbing: 

This vine can climb to10 feet high. It is a twining vine. Twining vines climb by twisting their stems or leaf stalks around a support. This type of vine grows well on trellises, arbors, wires, or chain-link fences.

Native geographic location and habitat: 

Common morning glory is native to Mexico.

Leaf description: 

The alternate leaves are heart-shaped.

Flower description: 

Trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and white.

Fruit description:

The fruit are dried capsules and not ornamentally important.

Plant care:

Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. Easy to grow from seed. Seeds should be scarified (nicked slightly) and then soaked overnight before planting. Start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

No common serious problems.

Photo Gallery (1)

Slider

Slider

1

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift