Growing Guide
 
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Moonflower

Annual Flower, Vine

Ipomoea alba
Convolvulaceae Family
Synonym: Calonyction aculeatum, Ipomoea bona-nox

This vine earns its name from its pure white blooms which open at dusk and close just after dawn.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Prefers soil that is moist but not soggy soil. Grows best in warm weather.
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: easy

Height: 6 to 15 feet

If grown on trellis.

Spread: 6 to 15 feet

If allowed to spread over the ground.

Bloom time:

  • early summer
  • mid-summer
  • late summer
  • early fall

Flower color: white

The 5” wide flowers are pure white and open at dusk.

Foliage color:

  • medium green
  • dark green

Foliage texture:

  • coarse
  • medium

Shape: spreading mass

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • native to North America - North America
Attracts:
  • beneficial insects - Attracts nocturnal moths.
  • hummingbirds
Special uses:
  • direct-seeding
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost, or outdoors where desired after frost danger has passed. Before planting, nick the hard-coated seeds with a file or soak overnight in warm water.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 85 F

Days to emergence: 4 to 7

Maintenance and care:
Install trellis or stakes before planting.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals