Tropical White Morning-Glory

(Ipomoea alba)

Tropical White Morning-Glory (Ipomoea alba)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Ipomoea alba, commonly known as Tropical White Morning-Glory or Moonflower, is an annual vine native to tropical and subtropical regions of the New World, including Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, thickets, and coastal areas. This vigorous climber can reach heights of 5–30 meters with twining stems that allow it to ascend rapidly on structures and vegetation. The large, fragrant flowers are typically white and can be up to 8–14 cm in diameter. They are particularly noted for their nocturnal blooming habit, opening in the evening and lasting through the night until touched by morning dew. On overcast days or in cooler temperatures, the blossoms may remain open longer, but these conditions can also cause the petals to snag or tear.

Moonflower is valued for its showy, evening-blooming flowers and its ability to create a quick screen or cover. It is often used in gardens for vertical interest on trellises, arbors, and fences. In cultivation, it prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and requires medium amounts of water with well-draining soil. While it can be grown in northern climates as an annual, it flowers best under shorter summer days, often not setting buds until early autumn when daylight is near 12 hours. Propagation is typically by seed, which should be nicked and soaked before planting to enhance germination. Gardeners should be aware that Ipomoea alba can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is advisable to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 10-15 feet
  • Width: 3-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions of the New World, including Central and South America, and the Caribbean, particularly in forest edges, thickets, and coastal areas

Other Names

Common Names: Moonflower, Moonvine, Maanblom, Mondblüte, Weiße Prunkwinde, Månvinda, Batatillo, Yakai-SŌ, Yue Guang Hua, Yoru-Gao

Scientific Names: , Ipomoea alba, Calonyction aculeatum, Ipomoea noctiflora, Ipomoea bona-nox, Calonyction speciosum, Calonyction bona-nox, Calonyction album, Calonyction aculeatum f. apopetalum, Ipomoea aculeata

GBIF Accepted Name: Ipomoea alba L.