How to Grow Blue Ivory
Wikimedia Commons
Blue Ivory
Ipomoea indica × Ipomoea purga hybrid (cultivar 'Blue Ivory')
vineBlue Ivory is an ornamental morning glory vine featuring distinctive bicolor flowers with deep blue upper petals and white lower petals, creating a striking contrast. This vigorous climbing vine produces heart-shaped foliage and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season. It's prized for decorative trellises, arbors, and vertical garden displays.
When should you plant Blue Ivory in your zone?
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Example Blue Ivory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Ivory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Blue Ivory
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Ivory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones
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Get my Blue Ivory timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with cotyledons and first true leaves emerging; delicate heart-shaped foliage begins forming
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid vine extension with increasingly vigorous twining stems and dense heart-shaped foliage; no flowers yet
Install sturdy support structure early. Provide regular water and balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Prune excessive growth if needed.
Flowering
8-12 weeksAbundant trumpet-shaped flowers with deep blue upper lobes and white lower lobes appear along the vine; flowers open in morning and close by afternoon
Maintain consistent watering. Continue fertilizing monthly with flowering plant formula (slightly lower nitrogen). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Peak Production
4-8 weeks depending on climateMaximum flower production with continuous blooms covering the vine; established vigorous growth
Water deeply and regularly. Maintain support structure against wind. Monitor for pests. Fertilize bi-weekly for sustained flowering.
Decline/Dormancy
Variable; onset depends on climateAs temperatures cool or day length decreases, flowering slows and stops; foliage may yellow in frost conditions
Reduce watering and fertilizing. In zones 9-10, can be cut back severely for potential regrowth in spring. In cooler zones, treat as annual and compost or replant next season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils; ensure good air circulation
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or predatory insects like ladybugs
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Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps away from plants, apply neem oil
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Remove affected leaves, apply neem oil weekly, use sticky traps
Uses
Ornamental interest (non-toxic)
CulinaryWhile not typically consumed, Blue Ivory morning glories are non-toxic and safe around kitchen gardens. The flowers are sometimes candied or used as edible garnishes in gourmet presentations. [source]
Garden structure and decoration
HouseholdIdeal for adorning trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, creating living screens and vertical interest. Use to shade patios or create privacy barriers while maintaining visual appeal. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftFresh-cut morning glory stems with open flowers are striking in vases and mixed arrangements. The bicolor blooms provide unique color contrast in floral designs. [source]
Pollinator and hummingbird support
WildlifeTrumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Traditional ethnobotany (historical interest)
MedicinalRelated Ipomoea species have long ethnobotanical histories; modern Blue Ivory is grown ornamentally and not used medicinally. Provided for botanical context only. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
No harvest in traditional sense; enjoy blooms by cutting stems with flowers for fresh arrangements. Cut in early morning when flowers are fully open. Flowers last only one day but are replaced daily in season. Remove spent flower heads to promote more blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blue Ivory morning glories display heliotropic behavior—flowers track the sun throughout the day and close in afternoon, reopening fresh each morning
- 🌱 The vine can grow 6-10 feet in a single season under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing ornamental vines
- 🌱 Morning glory seeds have a hard coat and benefit from scarification (light sanding) or soaking in warm water for 24 hours to improve germination rates
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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