How to Grow Purple Ribbon
Purple Ribbon
Ipomoea nil 'Purple Ribbon'
vinePurple Ribbon is a cultivar of Japanese morning glory featuring deeply lobed, ribbon-like purple foliage and small purple flowers. This ornamental vine grows vigorously and is prized for its unique, finely divided leaves that create an airy, delicate texture in gardens. It's an annual vine that climbs or trails, making it ideal for trellises, arbors, or hanging baskets.
When should you plant Purple Ribbon in your zone?
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Example Purple Ribbon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Ribbon
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 Purple Ribbon
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Ribbon dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall heart-shaped cotyledons emerge, gradually developing the first lobed leaves characteristic of the variety.
Keep soil consistently moist; provide warm temperatures (70-80°F). Thin seedlings or transplant to individual pots once first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksVine rapidly develops deeply lobed, ribbon-like purple foliage. Stems elongate and climb or trail depending on support provided.
Provide sturdy trellis or support structure. Water regularly and fertilize with balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch growing tips early to encourage branching.
Flowering
6-8 weeksSmall tubular flowers in shades of purple appear among the foliage, typically opening in early morning.
Continue regular watering and moderate fertilization. Flowers are ephemeral and short-lived. Do not be concerned if flowering is sparse; this variety is grown primarily for foliage.
Seed Development
4-6 weeksAfter flowering, small seed capsules form if flowers are pollinated. Foliage remains vibrant and continues to develop.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want to collect seeds for next season. Otherwise, deadheading is optional and does not significantly increase flowering.
Maturity & Decline
Until frost (4-8 weeks or longer)Vine reaches full size and coverage; continues producing foliage and occasional flowers until frost. Plants decline with first hard freeze.
Collect mature seed pods before frost if desired. Continue watering and light maintenance. Cut back or remove plants after frost kills foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps at a distance from plants; apply neem oil if infestation is severe
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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and
Remove by hand; create barriers with copper tape; apply diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Ornamental Foliage & Garden Structure
OrnamentalPurple Ribbon's unique deeply lobed, ribbon-like purple foliage creates striking visual interest on trellises, arbors, pergolas, and fences. The delicate leaf texture adds sophistication to garden beds and provides vertical interest with minimal bulk. [source]
Container & Basket Growing
HouseholdThe vine can be grown in large containers or hanging baskets where its trailing foliage cascades gracefully. This makes it ideal for patios, decks, and entryways where space is limited. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThough small, the purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The vine provides shelter and nesting habitat for various beneficial insects and birds. [source]
Pressed Leaf & Dried Arrangement Material
CraftThe distinctive lobed leaves press beautifully and dry well for use in craft projects, herbarium collections, and dried floral arrangements, retaining their purple color. [source]
Harvest Tips
Purple Ribbon is not harvested for food. Collect seed pods in late fall before frost if you wish to save seeds for next season. Gently dry pods and extract seeds; store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Ribbon is a Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil), a species with a long history in Japanese gardens and horticulture, where it is prized for unique cultivars with unusual leaf shapes and colors.
- 🌱 The name 'Purple Ribbon' refers to the deeply lobed, ribbon-like appearance of the foliage, which resembles purple ribbons waving in the breeze and creates a lacy, almost delicate appearance despite the vine's vigorous growth.
- 🌱 Morning glory flowers open in the early morning and typically close by afternoon; this circadian behavior is so reliable it was historically used to predict the time of day.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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