Moonflower Ipomoea alba
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is an annual flowering plant in the Convolvulaceae family, native to Tropical America (Mexico to Argentina). It grows 3–5 m (10–16 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Moonflower at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Mature height | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical America (Mexico to Argentina) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Moonflower toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds
Seeds of Ipomoea species contain alkaloids; ASPCA lists morning glories as toxic to cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Moonflower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Moonflower
- How far apart should I plant Moonflower?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Moonflower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Moonflower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Moonflower?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Moonflower flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 7–11 weeks.
- Is Moonflower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Seeds of Ipomoea species contain alkaloids; ASPCA lists morning glories as toxic to cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Moonflower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Moonflower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- A perennial grown as an annual in temperate gardens: white, fragrant saucers 12–15 cm across unfurl at dusk in a minute or two and close by morning, pollinated by hawkmoths.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas
- Morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
- Water spinach (kangkong) Ipomoea aquatica
- Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) Convolvulus cneorum
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans