Tips on Growing the Heavenly Scented Moonflower Climber

Ipomoea is a genus of evergreen perennial or annual woody stemmed climbing shrubs. Tips in this article are on how to grow the species Ipomoea alba – moonflower.

The Ipomoea alba commonly known as the Moonflower is a night flowering perennial native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the New World. The wonderfully fragrant Moonflower grows particularly well in frost free southern Mediterranean climates as a perennial and is often used as a quick growing perfumed shade provider. In cooler areas the Moonflower can be grown successfully as an annual.

The name moonflower is attributed to its round night flowering white blooms during the summer. Moonflower, the Ipomoea alba is an evergreen soft stemmed twining climber that can grow to about 15mts. Its stems are woody and slightly prickly . The leaves might be oval or sometimes heartshaped or 3 lobed

Exotic Moonflower Blooms

The heavily fragrant white blooms can reach between 10 – 15 cms and some nights the plant can be covered with the moonlike blooms. It pays, therefore to plant this perennial climber where the perfume can be appreciated.

Sadly the moonlike blooms are short lived. Their opening process can take under a minute and once unfolded they will last for just one night until touched by the morning sun. Then they shrivel into a husky seed head which can be harvested once dry and brown.

Moths pollinate the flowers and they can be seen darting from bloom to bloom as they are attracted by the heady scent.

Where to plant the Moonflower

To flourish the ipomoea alba needs full sunlight and good drainage. Always try to plant the ipomoea alba close to an outdoor seating area or just around a window or door. The evening scent is just too good to miss.

It will grow rampantly over a pergola, gazebo or trellis and soon be covered in saucer sized white fragrant flowers. Try to keep the growth to head height so as not to lose the perfume or sight of any of those lovely blooms. The plant will also grow vigorously over anything unsightly in the garden, an old wall, fence or shed for example.

They are a wonderful companion plant and will happily intertwine through the strong stems of a vibrant pink or purple bougainvillea.

Moonflower Propagation

New ipomoea plants can be grown from cuttings that will produce roots in water if placed in a clear jar in a shady place.

Root runners can also be pegged into the soil and will often root without problem.

Otherwise the seed heads usually contain 2-3 seeds and they should be soaked overnight and then chipped before planting. Seeds planted 2cms deep in pots with the soil kept moist should be kept in a sunny spot and they often germinate within 3 weeks.

Care of the Moonflower

The Ipomoea alba requires a minimum temperature of 45degrees (7degrees) to survive as a perennial. It requires full sun, well drained mulched soil and a liquid fertilizer feed 3 times during the summer months.

Although the plant loves direct sunlight it is a good idea to shield the lower stems and roots from the hot sun.

Trellis or wires will help support the stems as they grow quickly. This will also encourage growth and blooms. During the summer the plant should be watered well once a week.

Late winter is the best time to prune hard to prepare for the following year’s new growth. During the summer months whitefly and red spider mite can be a problem and they should be dealt with sooner rather than later.

Moonflower is a Great Plant to Share With Friends

Once seen this heavenly scented Ipomoea alba plant is never forgotten and seeds and cuttings make a welcome gift for friends and family.