Gardeners love plants that add beauty with minimal effort. Thankfully, morning glory and moonflowers fit the description perfectly. These fast-growing climbers transform fences, trellises, and pergolas into living walls of blossoms. But what makes them unique? Morning glory greets the world during sunrise while Moonflowers bloom as the sun sets. Together, they create a garden that never stops blooming.
Morning Glory: A Sun-Loving Climber
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) thrives in full sun and produces delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. These blossoms open at dawn to attract bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich centers.
The plant’s vines grow quickly and often reach 10 feet or more in a single season. With proper support and well-draining soil, they grow and climb effortlessly. Although each flower lasts only for a few hours, fresh blooms appear daily, which ensures continuous colors for your garden throughout the summer.
Some varieties like Ipomoea indica spread aggressively, which make them difficult to control. To prevent unwanted growth, remove spent flowers before they develop seeds.
Moonflowers: Evening Elegance
Meanwhile, moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) take over at night. As dusk approaches, their large, white blossoms unfurl and fill the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. These nocturnal flowers attract nighttime pollinators, including moths and bats.
Moonflowers require the same growing conditions as their daytime counterpart: a full sun, well-draining soil, and strong support structures. However, they are more sensitive to cold. They may grow as perennials in warm climates and return year in and year out.
Moonflower vines can reach 15 feet in a single season to create a fast-growing vertical display. Their luminous blooms remain open all night before closing with the first rays of sunlight.
Growing Morning Glory and Moonflowers Together
Planting these two vines together ensures a seamless transition between day and night. Gardeners can enjoy non-stop floral beauty from morning to midnight if they plant them in the right location.
✅ Sun and Soil: Both vines need full sun and well-draining soil.
✅ Support: Use trellises, fences, or arbors to help them climb.
✅ Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells.
✅ Spacing: Sow seeds about six inches apart for even coverage.
For best results, plant seeds after the last frost. Soaking them overnight speeds up germination and ensures faster sprouting. Since both vines readily reseed, they may return on their own each year.
Looking for more companion planting ideas? Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden for expert advice.
Best Companion Plants for Morning Glory and Moonflowers
Pairing these climbers with the right plants enhances their visual appeal and enhance their support for pollinators.
Sweet Peas: Adds pastel hues and a soft, delicate fragrance, complementing the bold blues and whites of morning glories and moonflowers while attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar.
Black-Eyed Susan Vine: Provides striking yellow and orange contrasts that make the deep purples, blues, and whites of morning glories and moonflowers stand out even more. This vine also offers additional nectar sources for pollinators.
Climbing Roses: Creates a textured, multi-layered display by intertwining with the vines. Climbing roses provide lush foliage, large blooms, and a classic romantic feel and also serve as shelter for beneficial insects.
Avoid planting these plants near beans or tomatoes, as they can compete for nutrients and climbing space.
Common Issues and How to Prevent Them
Although these vines are easy to grow, they face a few challenges.
Pests: Aphids and spider mites may appear. A strong water spray or neem oil helps control them.
Self-Seeding: Morning Glory spreads quickly—deadhead flowers to prevent unwanted growth.
Slow Germination: Scarify seeds (lightly nick the shell) to speed up sprouting.
With a little maintenance, these vines reward gardeners with continuous, low-effort blooms.
Morning Glory and Moonflowers for a Full-Day Garden
Morning Glory and moonflowers are the perfect pair for a garden that never stops blooming. One flourishes in the morning sun while the other thrives under moonlight. Together, they create a mesmerizing floral display from sunrise to sunset. Whether you prefer the vivid hues of daylight or the ethereal glow of nighttime blooms, these climbers bring lasting beauty to any space.
Have you grown morning glory and moonflowers together? Share your experience in the comments!
FAQs
1. Do Morning Glory and Moonflowers need full sun?
Yes! Both vines require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without enough light, they may not bloom as much.
2. Are Morning Glory and Moonflowers related?
Yes. They both belong to the Ipomoea genus but bloom at different times—Morning Glory in the morning and Moonflowers at night.
3. How fast do these vines grow?
Morning Glory and Moonflowers grow rapidly, often reaching 10–15 feet in a season. Once established, they climb quickly.
4. Can I grow them in containers?
Yes! They thrive in large containers as long as they have a sturdy trellis for support. Ensure the soil drains well and water regularly.
5. Do they attract pollinators?
Absolutely! Morning Glory attracts bees and butterflies, while Moonflowers attract moths and bats.
6. Are they annuals or perennials?
They are mostly grown as annuals. However, in warm regions (zones 9–11), they can return as perennials.
7. How do I prevent Morning Glory from spreading too much?
To control self-seeding, remove spent flowers before they set seed. You can also plant them in containers.
8. When should I plant the seeds?
Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. For faster germination, soak them overnight or lightly scarify the outer shell.
9. Are these vines toxic to pets?
Yes. Morning Glory seeds contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if consumed in large amounts. Keep them out of reach.
10. Can I plant Morning Glory and Moonflowers together?
Definitely! Planting them together creates a garden that stays in bloom from morning until night. Just ensure they have enough space to climb.
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below!
