How to Grow Maui Sunset
iNaturalist
Maui Sunset
Ipomoea × multifida hybrid
flowerMaui Sunset is a stunning tropical vine featuring deeply lobed, fern-like foliage and vibrant orange-red trumpet flowers with yellow centers that bloom continuously in warm weather. This ornamental morning glory hybrid is prized for its exotic appearance and ability to quickly cover trellises, arbors, and pergolas. It brings a tropical feel to gardens and containers with minimal maintenance.
When should you plant Maui Sunset in your zone?
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Example Maui Sunset timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Maui Sunset
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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First Maui Sunset blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Maui Sunset dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grow as an annual in zones 8-9 or in containers moved indoors
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Germination & Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; first true leaves appear with characteristic lobed shape
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist; provide bright, indirect light until true leaves develop
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with deeply dissected, fern-like foliage; vines grow vigorously
Provide sturdy support structure; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness
Flowering
Throughout warm season (6+ months in tropics)Abundant orange-red trumpet flowers with yellow throats appear along vine stems; flowers open in morning and close by afternoon
Maintain consistent watering and nutrients; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; provide support as vines become heavy
Seed Production
4-6 weeksIf flowers are not deadheaded, small capsules form containing seeds; foliage may yellow slightly
Allow some flowers to set seed for self-seeding or seed collection; reduce nitrogen fertilizer if seed production is desired
Dormancy/Winter
Varies by locationIn zones below 10, plant dies back after frost; foliage yellows and drops in cool temperatures
In frost-free zones, prune back by one-third in late winter to rejuvenate; in cold zones, save seeds or bring containers indoors
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 neem oil if severe; increase humidity
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Rinse with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from plant; apply neem oil
Uses
Ornamental vine for landscape design
CraftMaui Sunset is primarily grown as a stunning tropical ornamental to cover vertical structures like trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences, creating dramatic displays of vibrant orange-red flowers. [source]
Container and patio gardening
HouseholdExcellent choice for container growing on patios, decks, and balconies, especially in cooler climates where it can be moved indoors before frost. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe bright flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting local beneficial insects. [source]
Ornamental edible flowers
CulinaryWhile not commonly eaten, the flowers are non-toxic and can be used as elegant garnishes for desserts and beverages in upscale culinary presentations. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest seeds in fall when seed capsules dry and turn brown; allow to dry further indoors before storing in cool, dry place for next season. Seeds remain viable 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Maui Sunset flowers typically open in the early morning and close by afternoon, following the classic morning glory daily blooming cycle, which gives the family Convolvulaceae its common name.
- 🌱 This hybrid cultivar is believed to be a cross between Ipomoea quamoclit (Cypress Vine) and Ipomoea coccinea, combining the deeply lobed foliage of one parent with the vibrant red flowers of the other.
- 🌱 In tropical climates, Maui Sunset can produce thousands of flowers over a season and will self-seed readily, sometimes spreading beyond intended boundaries, so deadheading spent flowers helps control unwanted spread.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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