The morning glory flower, primarily from the genus Ipomoea, usually has trumpet-shaped blooms that unfurl at dawn and often close up by afternoon. These flowers come in a stunning array of colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white, depending on the species or cultivar. Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, morning glories are fast-growing vines, shrubs, or ground covers.
The most popular variety is Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue,’ that feature sky-blue petals when cascading over structures. Other species, like Ipomoea alba (moonflower), deviate from the norm by blooming at night with large, fragrant white flowers, adding a magical element to evening landscapes. The flowers measure 1-5 inches across, with heart-shaped or lobed leaves.
In Japan, Ipomoea nil has been bred into intricate cultivars for centuries, celebrated during summer festivals for their fleeting beauty, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of life. In other contexts, their seeds have been used historically in rituals due to psychoactive properties, though this is less common today and approached with caution due to toxicity risks.
They prefer warm weather and can be grown as annuals in cooler climates or perennials in frost-free zones. Regular watering and occasional pruning keep them healthy, while their ability to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies adds ecological value. Whether adorning a garden or thriving in the wild, morning glory flowers remain a timeless emblem of natural beauty and resilience.
Ipomoea purpurea (Common Morning Glory)
The common morning glory is one of the most widely recognized varieties, featuring heart-shaped leaves and flowers that range from deep purple to blue, pink, or white. Native to Central and South America, this annual vine grows quickly, reaching lengths of up to 10 feet. The blooms, about 2-3 inches wide, unfurl in the morning sunlight and fade by afternoon. It’s a favorite for trellises and fences due to its adaptability and vivid colors, though it can self-seed aggressively in warm climates.
Ipomoea nil (Japanese Morning Glory)
Originating in Asia, Ipomoea nil is celebrated in Japan, where it has been cultivated for centuries into hundreds of cultivars. Its flowers are larger than those of Ipomoea purpurea, often reaching 4-5 inches across, and come in an array of colors including blue, red, pink, and white, often with intricate patterns like stripes or starbursts. The plant thrives in warm weather and is an annual that can climb up to 12 feet, making it a stunning addition to gardens or as a potted plant.
Ipomoea tricolor (Heavenly Blue)
Known for its breathtaking sky-blue flowers, Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’ is a cultivar that has captured the hearts of gardeners worldwide. The blooms, which can grow up to 5 inches wide, feature a white throat and fade to pinkish hues as they close. This fast-growing annual vine can reach heights of 8-12 feet and prefers full sun. Native to tropical Americas, it’s a classic choice for creating a cascading wall of color.
Ipomoea alba (Moonflower)
Unlike typical morning glories, Ipomoea alba, or the moonflower, blooms at night, revealing large, fragrant white flowers that can span 5-6 inches. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, this perennial vine (often grown as an annual in cooler climates) climbs up to 15 feet. Its heart-shaped leaves and glowing blooms make it a magical addition to evening gardens, attracting pollinators like moths with its sweet scent.
Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato Vine)
While better known for its edible tubers, Ipomoea batatas also produces morning glory-like flowers in some ornamental varieties. The blooms are typically pale purple or pink, though the plant is more prized for its colorful foliage, which ranges from lime green to deep burgundy. This sprawling vine can grow up to 10 feet long and is often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets, thriving in warm, sunny conditions.
Ipomoea indica (Blue Dawn Flower)
The blue dawn flower, Ipomoea indica, is a perennial morning glory with stunning indigo-blue blooms that fade to purple as the day progresses. Native to tropical regions, it’s a vigorous climber, capable of reaching 20 feet or more. The heart-shaped leaves and 3-4 inch flowers make it a standout, though it can become invasive in frost-free climates. It’s ideal for covering large structures but requires careful management.
Ipomoea cairica (Mile-a-Minute Vine)
Known for its rapid growth, Ipomoea cairica earns its nickname “mile-a-minute vine” by sprawling up to 15 feet in a single season. This perennial species, native to Africa and Asia, produces small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, or pink. Its palmately lobed leaves set it apart from other morning glories, and it’s often used as a ground cover or screen in warm climates, though it can be invasive.
Ipomoea quamoclit (Cypress Vine)
The cypress vine, Ipomoea quamoclit, is a delicate annual with feathery, fern-like foliage and small, star-shaped flowers in bright red, pink, or white. Native to tropical Americas, it grows up to 10-15 feet and attracts hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms, which are only about an inch long. Its airy appearance makes it a charming choice for arbors or as a lightweight climber.
Ipomoea sloteri (Cardinal Climber)
A hybrid between Ipomoea quamoclit and Ipomoea coccinea, the cardinal climber boasts vivid scarlet flowers that resemble those of the cypress vine but with slightly larger, trumpet-shaped blooms. This annual vine reaches 6-12 feet and features finely divided leaves. Its bright red color draws hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a lively addition to sunny gardens.
Ipomoea coccinea (Red Morning Glory)
The red morning glory, Ipomoea coccinea, is a fast-growing annual with small, tubular red flowers that bloom profusely. Native to the Americas, it climbs up to 10 feet and has heart-shaped leaves similar to other morning glories. The scarlet blooms, about an inch wide, create a bold contrast against green foliage and are especially attractive to pollinators like hummingbirds.
Ipomoea hederacea (Ivy-Leaved Morning Glory)
This species, Ipomoea hederacea, features ivy-like, lobed leaves and flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white, typically 2-3 inches across. Native to tropical Americas, it grows as an annual vine up to 10 feet long. Its distinctive foliage and colorful blooms make it a versatile choice for trellises or as a sprawling ground cover in sunny locations.
Ipomoea violacea (Beach Morning Glory)
Also known as Ipomoea imperati, this species thrives in coastal environments, spreading along sandy soils with its thick, fleshy leaves. The flowers are white with a yellow throat, about 2 inches wide, and bloom year-round in warm climates. Unlike its climbing relatives, it grows low to the ground, reaching lengths of 10-50 feet, making it ideal for stabilizing dunes or as a salt-tolerant ornamental.
Ipomoea leptophylla (Bush Morning Glory)
Unlike the typical vining morning glories, Ipomoea leptophylla grows as a bushy perennial, reaching heights of 2-4 feet rather than climbing. Native to the central United States, it produces large, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pinkish-purple or lavender, about 2-3 inches wide. Its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and drought tolerance make it a hardy choice for xeriscaping or prairie-style gardens.
Ipomoea pandurata (Wild Potato Vine)
Known as the wild potato vine, Ipomoea pandurata is a perennial native to North America with large, heart-shaped leaves and white flowers accented by a purple or pink throat. The blooms, which can reach 3 inches across, open in the morning and close by midday. This vigorous climber can grow up to 15 feet and has an edible tuberous root, though it’s not commonly cultivated for food. It’s a resilient species often found in wild landscapes.
Ipomoea carnea (Pink Morning Glory)
Ipomoea carnea is a shrubby perennial that can grow into a small tree or bush, reaching 6-10 feet tall in warm climates. Native to South America, it produces clusters of soft pink, lavender, or white trumpet-shaped flowers, about 3-4 inches long. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves and woody stems set it apart from vining morning glories, making it a striking ornamental for tropical or subtropical gardens.
Ipomoea horsfalliae (Lady Doorly’s Morning Glory)
This tropical perennial, Ipomoea horsfalliae, hails from South America and is named after Lady Doorly, who admired its vivid magenta or crimson flowers. The blooms, about 2-3 inches wide, appear in clusters and contrast beautifully with its glossy, dark green leaves. It’s a vigorous climber, reaching up to 20 feet, and thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it a favorite in greenhouses or frost-free regions.
Ipomoea pes-caprae (Railroad Vine)
Commonly called the railroad vine or beach morning glory, Ipomoea pes-caprae is a low-growing, sprawling perennial found along coastlines worldwide. Its flowers are a vibrant purple or pink, about 2 inches wide, with a darker throat. The thick, rounded leaves help it withstand salty, sandy environments, and it can spread up to 30 feet or more, making it excellent for erosion control on beaches.
Ipomoea turbinata (Lilacbell)
Ipomoea turbinata, also known as the lilacbell, is an annual or short-lived perennial with large, bell-shaped flowers in shades of lavender or purple, often 3-4 inches across. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, it climbs up to 10-15 feet with heart-shaped leaves. Its prolific blooming and soft coloration make it a lovely addition to trellises or fences in warm climates.
Ipomoea arborescens (Tree Morning Glory)
A unique member of the genus, Ipomoea arborescens grows as a small tree or shrub rather than a vine, reaching heights of 10-20 feet. Native to Mexico, it produces clusters of white, fragrant flowers about 2 inches wide that bloom in late fall or winter. Its thick, oval leaves and woody structure make it a standout ornamental for arid or subtropical landscapes.
Ipomoea lacunosa (Small White Morning Glory)
This dainty annual, Ipomoea lacunosa, features small, pure white flowers, typically 1-2 inches wide, with a subtle star-like shape. Native to the southeastern United States, it climbs up to 10 feet and has heart-shaped or slightly lobed leaves. Its delicate blooms and compact size make it a charming choice for smaller gardens or as a companion plant.
Ipomoea setosa (Brazilian Morning Glory)
Ipomoea setosa is a fast-growing annual from South America with large, rose-pink to purple flowers, about 3-4 inches across. Its heart-shaped leaves are often covered in fine bristles, giving it a slightly fuzzy texture. Reaching lengths of 10-15 feet, this vine is prized for its bold blooms and lush foliage, thriving in warm, sunny conditions.
Ipomoea muricata (Night-Blooming Morning Glory)
Similar to the moonflower, Ipomoea muricata blooms at night with fragrant, pale purple or white flowers that are about 2-3 inches wide. Native to tropical Asia and the Americas, this annual or short-lived perennial climbs up to 10-12 feet. Its nocturnal blooming habit and sweet scent attract night pollinators like moths, adding a mystical touch to evening gardens.
Ipomoea ochracea (Yellow Morning Glory)
Ipomoea ochracea stands out with its uncommon yellow or creamy-orange flowers, about 1-2 inches wide. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, this perennial vine grows up to 10 feet and features heart-shaped leaves. Though less showy than its blue or purple relatives, its warm-toned blooms bring a sunny vibrance to gardens in tropical or subtropical climates.
Ipomoea aquatica (Water Morning Glory)
Also known as water spinach, Ipomoea aquatica is a semi-aquatic perennial grown primarily as a leafy vegetable in Asia, though it produces small, white or pale pink flowers typical of morning glories. Its hollow stems allow it to float or sprawl across wet soils, reaching lengths of 10 feet or more. While its blooms are modest, its culinary value and adaptability to wetlands make it unique among the genus.