Ipomoea indica
oceanblue morning glory
Overview
Ipomoea indica is a vigorous, twining perennial vine in the morning glory family, climbing 10-20 feet (3-6 m) in a single season by winding its stems around supports. The leaves are heart-shaped or three-lobed, 3-7 inches (7.5-18 cm) long, and softly hairy on slender stalks. From spring through autumn, and year-round in frost-free climates, it carries funnel-shaped flowers 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) wide in clusters of three to twelve; each opens deep blue to purple-blue in the morning and fades to pinkish-mauve by afternoon before closing. Flowers last a single day and are replaced daily over a long season. The vine spreads by rooting stem fragments and rarely sets seed in many regions. Ipomoea indica is listed as an invasive environmental weed in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of southern Europe and the United States, where it smothers fences and native vegetation. The seeds, when produced, contain toxic alkaloids. Limitations include rampant growth that overruns supports and a frost-tender nature that kills top growth below freezing.
Native Range
Ipomoea indica is thought to be native to tropical America, though its exact origin is uncertain because of long cultivation and spread. It now grows throughout the tropics and subtropics worldwide, in disturbed ground, forest edges, riverbanks, and hedges. In many warm regions it has naturalised and become weedy.Suggested Uses
Ipomoea indica is grown as a fast screen on fences, trellises, and pergolas in frost-free gardens and as a warm-season annual climber in colder areas. It is planted where its spread can be contained, since it overruns adjacent plantings on open ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Ipomoea indica blooms over a long season, from late spring to autumn in temperate areas and year-round in frost-free climates. Each funnel-shaped flower opens blue in the morning and closes by mid-afternoon, with new flowers appearing daily. Clusters hold several buds that open in succession over many days.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue to purple, fading mauveFoliage Description
Medium greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ipomoea indica grows in full sun on most well-drained soils and flowers most freely in warm, sheltered positions. It tolerates drought once established but grows fastest with regular moisture and a sturdy support to climb. Top growth is killed by frost, though established roots resprout in zones 9 and warmer. Because it spreads aggressively from stem fragments, it can escape cultivation and is managed by confining roots and removing stray pieces. Few pests trouble it beyond occasional leaf-feeding caterpillars. No fertiliser is needed on average soil, since rich conditions push leafy growth at the expense of flowers.Pruning
Ipomoea indica tolerates hard cutting back at any time to control its size, and is sheared to the ground in late winter where it is root-hardy. Regular trimming through the season keeps it within bounds and prevents it from swamping other plants. Removing rooted stem fragments limits its spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons