How to Grow Ivyleaf Morning Glory
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Ivyleaf Morning Glory
Ipomoea hederacea
vineIvyleaf morning glory is a twining annual vine with heart-shaped, lobed leaves resembling ivy and vibrant blue, purple, or white trumpet-shaped flowers. It's a fast-growing climber that produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and readily self-seeds. This ornamental vine is popular for covering trellises, arbors, and fences with colorful flowers that open in the morning.
When should you plant Ivyleaf Morning Glory in your zone?
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Example Ivyleaf Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ivyleaf Morning Glory
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 Ivyleaf Morning Glory
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ivyleaf Morning Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-11; grows as annual in cooler zones, perennial in warmer zones
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Get my Ivyleaf Morning Glory timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouted plants with first pair of cotyledons, followed by small lobed leaves
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing or transplant into individual pots.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (peak season)Abundant trumpet-shaped flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white appear along vine; flowers open early morning and close by afternoon
Continue consistent watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Provide support as vine grows heavier. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Seed Formation
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and are replaced by round seed pods that swell and mature; foliage remains lush
Allow some flowers to go to seed if self-seeding is desired. Reduce watering slightly. Monitor for common pests.
Decline/End of Season
Until frostVine weakens in fall as temperatures drop; foliage may yellow; seed pods dry and split open
Collect seed pods for next year's planting or allow to self-seed. Cut back vine after first frost in cool climates. In warm zones, vine may persist as perennial.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; ensure adequate humidity
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected leaves
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil or spinosad
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Scrape off by hand; apply horticultural oil in dormant season; use systemic insecticide if severe
Uses
Ornamental Screening & Vertical Garden Coverage
HouseholdIvyleaf morning glory is exceptional for quickly covering trellises, arbors, fences, and pergolas with dense foliage and brilliant flowers. Its rapid growth makes it ideal for creating privacy screens or shading sunny walls in a single season. [source]
Pollinator Support & Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeThe abundant morning flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It provides valuable early-season nectar when other food sources are limited and supports local pollinator populations. [source]
Traditional Herbal & Ethnobotanical Uses
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, ivyleaf morning glory seeds and roots have been used in various cultures for their potential purgative properties. Modern use is limited and should only be undertaken under professional guidance due to potential toxicity. [source]
Cut Flower & Fresh Arrangement Material
CraftThe vibrant morning blooms can be cut early in the day and used in fresh arrangements, though flowers are short-lived (closing by afternoon). The ivy-like foliage also adds texture to floral designs. [source]
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryThe trumpet-shaped flowers are visually stunning and can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a mild, slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color to dishes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For ornamental purposes, allow flowers to open naturally each morning and enjoy blooms until afternoon. For seed collection, wait until seed pods dry and turn brown on the vine (late summer/fall), then harvest and store in cool, dry place for next season. Seeds are viable for 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ivyleaf morning glory flowers open in the early morning (typically 4-6 AM) and close by mid-afternoon in response to changes in light and temperature, following a circadian rhythm controlled by the plant's internal clock.
- 🌱 The vine can grow 6-10 feet tall in a single season in optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing annual vines; it germinates quickly when soil is warm and grows especially vigorously in hot summers.
- 🌱 The plant readily self-seeds and can become naturalized in warm climates; it's considered invasive in some regions and may persist year after year, making it important to deadhead flowers if you want to prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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