Morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) is an annual flowering plant in the Convolvulaceae family. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Morning glory at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 11–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Morning glory toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
Seeds contain lysergic-type alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhoea and hallucinations.
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 Morning glory
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Morning glory
- How far apart should I plant Morning glory?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Morning glory need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Morning glory need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Morning glory?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Morning glory flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 11–17 weeks.
- Is Morning glory poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Seeds contain lysergic-type alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhoea and hallucinations.
- What grows well with Morning glory?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Morning glory. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Self-seeds aggressively and can become weedy.
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
- Water spinach (kangkong) Ipomoea aquatica
- Moonflower Ipomoea alba
- Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) Convolvulus cneorum
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus
- French marigold Tagetes patula
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Zinnia Zinnia elegans