How to Grow Volcano Glory
Wikimedia Commons
Volcano Glory
Ipomoea lobata
vineVolcano Glory is a stunning tropical climbing vine known for its dramatic tubular flowers that transition from deep red to orange and yellow as they mature. The flowers bloom in showy spikes along the vine, creating a striking color gradient effect. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates and can reach 6-10 feet in a single season.
When should you plant Volcano Glory in your zone?
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Example Volcano Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Volcano 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 Volcano Glory
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Volcano Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in zones 5-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny sprouts emerge with first true leaves; vine is very delicate and tender.
Maintain warm soil temperature (70-75°F), provide bright indirect light, keep soil evenly moist, protect from cold drafts.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksVine rapidly elongates with heart-shaped leaves; no flowers yet; plant is establishing root and stem structure.
Provide sturdy support structure or trellis, ensure full sun exposure, fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer, pinch back to encourage branching if desired.
Budding
2-3 weeksTubular flower buds begin forming along the vine in characteristic spiky clusters.
Continue supporting vigorous growth, maintain consistent watering, switch to lower-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering, ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (continuous until frost)Stunning tubular flowers bloom in spikes with dramatic color transition from deep crimson-red at base to orange in middle to yellow at tips.
Maintain consistent moisture, deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, provide afternoon shade in very hot climates to protect flowers, keep fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.
End of Season
Varies by location; typically October-November in zones 5-9Growth slows as temperatures drop; flowering diminishes; foliage may yellow; vine may produce seed pods.
In frost zones, prepare to bring indoors or treat as annual; allow some flowers to mature if collecting seeds; reduce watering gradually.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil, introduce parasitic wasps
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, spray with neem oil, improve air circulation
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Prune affected portions, spray with horticultural oil during dormant season
Uses
Spectacular Vertical Garden Color
OrnamentalVolcano Glory is prized as a show-stopping climbing ornamental for trellises, arbors, pergolas, and walls, providing dramatic red-to-yellow flowering displays throughout warm months. [source]
Seed Collection and Propagation
CraftThe plant produces ornamental seed pods that can be collected and stored for next season's planting, making it economical for gardeners who want to grow it year after year. [source]
Hummingbird and Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and various bee species, making Volcano Glory an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats. [source]
Tropical Container and Patio Display
HouseholdVolcano Glory grows well in large containers on patios and terraces in cooler zones, can be brought indoors to a sunny window before frost, and creates instant tropical ambiance. [source]
Harvest Tips
Enjoy flowers as they bloom throughout the season; they are not typically harvested but rather admired on the vine. If growing for seeds, allow flowers to fully mature and develop seed pods late in season, then collect and dry seeds for next year.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Volcano Glory gets its common name from its dramatic flower color display that resembles lava flowing from a volcano, with the hottest reds at the base transitioning to cooler yellows at the tips.
- 🌱 The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and can draw these jewel-like birds repeatedly throughout the flowering season in zones where they migrate or year-round in tropical regions.
- 🌱 In tropical zones, Volcano Glory can be grown as a perennial shrubby vine and rebloom year after year, whereas in temperate zones it must be replanted annually or brought indoors for winter protection.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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