How to grow morning glory

Morning glory is a climbing plant native to the rainforests of South America. I have grown this plant on several occasions and this year I am growing a variety called Ipomoea Purpureat. The trumpet shaped flowers look as if they have been dipped in purple ink which gives them a very decadent appearance - they have white throats, twining stems and large heart shaped leaves.

All photos by Toni Abram.

Morning Glory

Whenever I have grown morning glory, I have grown it from seed, sowing these around March/April time and it really is as simple as putting some seeds in a pot and waiting for them to begin growing.

I grow mine in pots and use plant supports so the plant has something to climb up.  I create these cheaply using garden canes to form a wigwam structure and cane grips which you can buy at garden centres, on eBay or Amazon. Morning glory could also be grown up a trellis or grown through shrubs and trees.

The plant grows best in full sun or dappled shade, however individual flowers are short lived. They open wide in the early morning sun but do not last the day. Remove the dead flowers when you see them and the plant will flower reliably throughout the summer.