Plant Profile: Ipomoea

Ipomoea, commonly referred to as Morning Glory, encompasses a group of resilient climbing plants. These vines produce vibrant flowers in shades of pink, lavender, purple, and blue, which bloom each morning and wither by nightfall. They thrive in a variety of soil types, from average to poor, and can flourish in full sun or partial shade. Although they are not perennial and grow from seeds, they are adept at spreading rapidly, returning each year and proving challenging to manage. For successful planting, it is recommended to nick the tough seed coat and soak the seeds overnight prior to sowing. While they are not classified as invasive in North Carolina, they do appear on the USDA Noxious Weed list and in several neighboring states. Some varieties may also be toxic. Besides the morning glory, the Ipomoea family includes cypress vine and various cultivars.