Moonflower bloom at sunset.
The moonflower vine is a twining vine that is very fast growing in hot weather. It is a tender tropical perennial but often grown as an annual vine in Georgia. This close relative of the morning glory has large heart shaped leaves that are rich green and 4-8 inches long. The white moonflower blooms are a wonderful contrast to the green backdrop.
The giant white moonflower bloom begins to open in late afternoon or early evening, depending on its place in the garden with relation to the sun setting. With patience you can actually watch a bloom spiral open! The bloom is truly gigantic, measuring 5-6 inches across. The bloom has an enchanting fragrance that can be enjoyed from a distance, but is sure to draw you closer. The bloom lasts through the night and fades as the morning sun begins to shine directly on the vine.
Moonflower vine in plant form can be hard to find in the local nursery trade, but seed packets are easy to find and seeds are not difficult to germinate. Start germination in early spring to set out once the seedling has formed its first couple of leaves and all danger of frost is over. The plant does well in plain old Georgia clay – no need to fuss with soil improvement other than to ensure good drainage. If you make sure the plant is watered once a week without rain it will establish itself and require little more from you the remainder of the season.
Growth is slow for the first few weeks but once the soil warms the vine will take off. Plant it on an arbor or trellis located for evening enjoyment. First blooms of the season can be expected around the 4th of July. For multiple blooms and “wow” factor, grow one or two vines on each side of an arbor. In late summer and until the first frost, you may have fifteen to twenty blooms each evening! It’s fun for the whole family to count the blooms each night and watch for hummingbird moths lured by the heavenly fragrance.
Rough husks filled with seed follow the blooms; they can be harvested when the cover turns dry and black. The large white seeds are about the same size of garbanzo beans.
Moonflower vine covering an arbor.
Scientific
Name Common Name
Ipomea alba; Calonyction aculeatum Moonflower;
Moonvine
Cultivars: Giant White
Propagation: By seed. Nick and soak before starting, although a portion of them will germinate in any case. Soil must be quite warm for germination to succeed
Usage
Except in its native habitat (Zones 10-12), use as an annual vine in summer
Height
Twining stems ten to fifteen feet
Exposure
Sun
Flower
Large, fragrant white flowers on narrow tubes open late afternoon/evening or “when the moon comes out” and close at dawn; attracts moths
Information Sources:
http://www.floridata.com
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort
Armitage’s Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials
Timber Press, Inc.
Published in 2001
Photo Credits:
Moonflower vine, close-up and vine on arbor – Susan Timmers
ST 9/04