1 / 10

Ipomoea cairica

mile-a-minute vine

Convolvulaceae Tropical Africa and Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Ipomoea cairica is a fast-growing perennial vine with slender, twining stems that climb or trail 6-30 ft (2-9 m) from a thickened, tuberous root. The alternate leaves are palmately divided almost to the base into five to seven narrow lobes, each leaf 1.5-4 in (4-10 cm) across, giving a hand-shaped outline. From spring through autumn it bears funnel-shaped flowers 2-2.5 in (5-6 cm) wide in shades of mauve, pink, or pale purple with a darker throat, each opening for a single day. The flowers are followed by rounded capsules holding a few small, dark seeds. The vine grows very quickly, smothering fences, shrubs, and small trees, and spreads by seed and by rooting and resprouting stem and root fragments. It is listed as an invasive weed in many warm regions, including parts of Australia, Asia, Africa, and the southern United States. It tolerates a range of soils but is sensitive to hard frost, dying back and regrowing from the tuber where winters are mild. It grows along coasts, riverbanks, roadsides, and disturbed ground in tropical and subtropical climates.

Native Range

Its exact native range is uncertain, spanning tropical Africa and Asia. It is now widespread through the tropics and subtropics, where it grows along coasts, rivers, and disturbed ground, and is invasive in many regions.

Suggested Uses

Sometimes grown as a fast screen or groundcover on fences and banks in frost-free climates. Its aggressive, invasive growth makes it unsuitable for most gardens, and many regions restrict or prohibit planting it.

How to Identify

Recognised by twining stems and palmately divided leaves cut almost to the base into five to seven narrow lobes, with funnel-shaped mauve to pink flowers 5-6 cm wide. The deeply lobed leaves separate it from the heart-shaped leaves of Ipomoea purpurea and most other morning glories. Each flower opens for only one day.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 30'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~24 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering extends over a long season from spring through autumn, and year-round in frost-free climates. Each funnel-shaped flower opens in the morning and fades by the end of the day. New flowers open in succession over many weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ipomoea cairica grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of soils, from sandy coastal ground to heavier clays, and tolerates salt spray and short dry spells. It grows extremely quickly given warmth and moisture and needs strong support and regular cutting to keep it within bounds. The tuberous root lets it resprout after frost or cutting, so removing the whole root is needed to control it. Stem and root fragments root readily, which spreads the plant if cuttings are discarded. It is damaged by hard frost but regrows from the tuber in mild-winter areas.

Pruning

Regular cutting through the growing season keeps the vine within its allotted space and reduces seeding. Stems are cut back hard in late winter where the plant is grown deliberately. Cut material is bagged rather than composted, because stem and root pieces can take root.