Blue morning glory Ipomoea indica
ABOUT
Ipomoea indica, commonly known as blue morning glory, is a vigorous and fast-growing plant known for its lush, heart-shaped leaves that are a rich green in color. This plant is most acclaimed for its beautiful flowers, presenting a fascinating display as they open and close. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have a striking blue to purplish hue, which can enchant onlookers with their vibrant appearance. Flecks of white and a paler throat often grace these blossoms, enhancing their allure. The flowers are prone to bloom in the early morning hours, hence the plant’s common name, and they typically close as the day progresses, especially under the full intensity of the sun. This plant can be found adorning walls, trellises, and fences, where its twining stems help it to climb and spread with ease, adding a touch of tropical beauty to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Convolvulaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Morning Glory, Oceanblue Morning Glory, Blue Dawn Flower, Koali Awa, Island Morning Glory.
Common names
Ipomoea acuminata, Ipomoea cathartica, Ipomoea congesta, Convolvulus acuminatus, Convolvulus congestus, Convolvulus indicus.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue morning glory contains toxic compounds that can cause harm if ingested, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hallucination. Some parts of the plant contain lysergic alkaloids, which can lead to toxic effects and potentially serious health consequences.
To pets
Blue morning glory is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and disorientation. If a pet ingests this plant, they may also experience an array of symptoms due to the presence of lysergic alkaloids, and it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Tropical Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Use: Ipomoea indica, commonly known as morning glory, is popular for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that can add visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Cover Crop: As a fast-growing vine, morning glory can be used as a cover crop to suppress weeds, thus reducing the need for chemical herbicides.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The flowers of Ipomoea indica attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing a food source and contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Shade Provider: When grown over pergolas or trellises, the dense foliage of morning glory vines can create shaded areas, offering a cool retreat during hot weather.
- Privacy Screen: Morning glory vines can grow quickly to form a natural green screen, offering privacy in urban gardens or between properties.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Ipomoea indica has been shown to possess antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells against damage from free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant's extracts may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, potentially useful for reducing inflammation in certain conditions.
- Analgesic: There is some evidence to suggest it could offer pain-relieving properties.
- Antimicrobial: Some studies have found that it possesses antimicrobial activities, which could help in managing infections.
- Hepatoprotective: It may have liver-protective effects, offering potential benefits to liver health.
- Wound healing: There is some indication that Ipomoea indica may accelerate wound healing processes.
- Antidiabetic: Preliminary research has suggested possible antidiabetic effects of the plant, though more research is needed to establish this use.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Blue morning glory vines can be trained to grow over unsightly structures, providing a natural cover that can hide human-made eyesores.
- The sap of the blue morning glory has been used as a natural latex in some traditional cultures for waterproofing and as an adhesive.
- The vibrant flowers of the blue morning glory can be used for dyeing textiles a blue or purplish hue, depending on the mordant used.
- Blue morning glory can be planted as a companion plant in the garden, where its dense foliage may help to hinder the growth of weeds.
- These plants can be used in erosion control, as their roots are good at holding soil in place on slopes and banks.
- In some areas, the dried stems of the Ipomoea indica have been woven into baskets and other craft items.
- The flowers, when closed or partially closed, can be used in flower arrangements where they add an interesting shape and texture contrast.
- As an educational tool, blue morning glory can be used to demonstrate the phenomenon of phototropism, as the vines grow towards the light.
- In some regions, blue morning glory is used to create living fences or boundaries that can be more environmentally friendly than constructed fences.
- The large heart-shaped leaves of the blue morning glory can serve as natural temporary plates or food wrappers in outdoor settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Morning Glory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Morning Glory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica) – Morning glories are often associated with the symbolism of love, affection, and the unbreakable bonds of a relationship. Because they bloom in the morning and die within a single day, they also symbolize the ephemeral nature of love and life.
- Resilience and Growth – As a fast-growing vine, the morning glory symbolizes resilience, expansion, and growth. It represents the ability to rise above obstacles and thrive.
- New Beginnings – With their habit of blooming afresh each day, morning glories are a symbol of renewal and the start of new opportunities.
- Mortality – The lifespan of a morning glory’s bloom is a single day, which makes it a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the concept of mortality.
WaterThe Morning Glory Vine, commonly known as Ipomoea indica, prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Water the plant with approximately 1 gallon per week, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice per week to maintain soil moisture. In cooler or rainy seasons, reduce the amount to match the plant's needs and prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to encourage healthy root growth.
LightMorning Glory Vine thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots. It performs best when planted in a location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching. Choose an eastern or southern exposure to optimize light conditions for this sun-loving climber.
TemperatureMorning Glory Vines prefer warm temperatures and are hardy in environments where temperatures do not fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal growing temperature for the plant is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can withstand higher heat as long as it's adequately watered. The plant is not cold-hardy and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to dip below the minimum threshold.
PruningPruning the Morning Glory Vine is necessary to control its growth, encourage bushier foliage, and stimulate more blooms. Prune in early spring before the onset of new growth. Cut back the vine to one-third of its size to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged parts. This vigorous grower can be pruned again mid-season if it becomes too dense. The best time to prune is after the main flowering has finished, but before seed pods fully develop to prevent self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Morning Glory thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with good organic content. The ideal soil pH for Blue Morning Glory should be slightly acidic to neutral, generally between 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or sand can provide appropriate drainage and nutrient levels for optimal growth.
RepottingBlue Morning Glory is a fast-growing vine that typically does not require frequent repotting when planted outdoors. However, if grown in containers, they should be repotted every 1-2 years to provide fresh soil and additional space for root growth. Check the root system in spring before the rapid growth period.
Humidity & MistingBlue Morning Glory prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable to average outdoor humid conditions. This plant does not have specific humidity requirements, so it generally thrives in the humidity level found in most environments without the need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blue Morning Glory in a bright spot and use a trellis.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, use a support structure, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe most common common name of Ipomoea indica is Blue Morning Glory. Blue Morning Glory begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in the spring. The embryo inside the seed develops into a seedling with a root system that anchors into the soil, and cotyledons that provide initial nutrients. As it grows, the plant develops true leaves and begins to photosynthesize, gradually forming a vigorous vine with heart-shaped leaves and a twining habit that allows it to climb. The plant then produces distinctive funnel-shaped, deep blue to purplish flowers that open in the morning and close by the afternoon. After pollination, usually by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into seed pods bearing seeds that, once mature, drop to the ground to start a new cycle or may be dispersed by animals or human activity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Ipomoea indica, commonly known as the Blue Morning Glory, is often propagated through seeds. The optimal time for sowing Blue Morning Glory seeds is in late winter to early spring, after the last frost when the soil has begun to warm. To propagate, first, seeds need to be scarified, which means gently rubbing them with a file or sandpaper to break their hard outer coating, thus enhancing water absorption and germination. Following scarification, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep (approximately 6 millimeters) in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide warmth and indirect light until germination occurs, normally within 7-10 days. After the seedlings have developed several sets of leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors to their final growing location.
