Moonflower Ipomoea alba

Moonflower is a cold-tender, flowering, perennial vine, usually grown as an annual in North Carolina, and gets its name from its nocturnal white blooms. The twining vine can reach a mature length of 30 feet under optimal conditions, although 15 feet is more typical, and needs a support structure like a fence, arbor, or trellis to grow. The plant has 8 inch, heart-shaped leaves and large white flowers that open at night and provide a sweet fragrance. Plant it in a cottage, patio or nighttime garden where you can fully enjoy the beauty and scent of the showy white flowers while you watch the aerial show of moths as they pollinate the blooms. If you would like to overwinter the plant, grow it outdoors in large containers, then bring it indoors as the temperatures drop. The genus name comes from two Greek words: ips meaning "worm" and homoios meaning "resembling" referring to the sprawling roots or to the worm-like twining habit. The species name means white referring to the flowers.

To propagate from seed, start 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost by soaking the seeds overnight in warm water or nick them with a file to break the seed coat. Stem cuttings can also be made as well as propagation from the small tubers that grow on the stems. The tubers can also be stored over winter in a slightly damp medium and replanted in the late spring. Plant in fertile, well-drained, moist soil in full sun. This plant will not thrive in shade. These vines are cold and frost-sensitive and prefer moist, well-drained soil. The vines will  grow slowly until hot weather when their growth rate becomes more rapid. Flowering appears later in the growth cycle. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious diseases or insect pests.

More information on Ipomoea.