What are Moonflowers

Just like nocturnal animals are awake at night, moonflowers are nocturnal plants. These special plants only bloom at night, when the moon is out. During the day, moonflowers are no larger than an inch or two wide, but when the sun sets, they open up to an astounding six or seven inch long bloom.

Moonflower Plants: Tips For Growing Moonflowers In The Garden

If your garden area is used for evening relaxation and entertainment, add the enticing fragrance of moonflowers in the garden. Large white or purple blooms on a climbing vine offer an amazing evening smell when growing moonflowers.

Moonflower plants (Ipomoea alba) are perennial vines in sub-tropical areas, but gardeners with cold winters can successfully grow moonflower plants as annuals. A member of the Ipomea family, moonflower plants are related to the sweet potato vine and the morning glory, with flowers that open in the late afternoon. Large, heart-shaped leaves further enhance the attractive moonflower vine.

How to Grow a Moonflower Vine

Moonflowers in the garden do not need much ground space, as they readily climb upward. Provide a trellis or other support for the vigorous vines. Growing moonflowers can reach up to 20 feet (6 m.), happily twining around anything within their reach. You can pinch back growing moonflowers at the top of the vine, as a part of your care for moonflowers, to force flowering downward.

Moonflower plants are winter-hardy perennials in zones 10-11, but in cooler zones, they can be grown effectively as annuals. They grow easily from seed when planted in somewhat fertile soil, but they are adaptable to other soil conditions. In colder climates, seeds can be started six to eight weeks before the soil outside has warmed. Plant moonflowers outside when outdoor temperatures are consistently 60 to 70 F. (15-20 C.)

Some growers think the crowding of roots in the pot encourages an earlier bloom on moonflower plants. Moonflower vines can grow in large containers or you can plant them in the ground. More moonflowers can be started from root division of existing plants. Mulch the roots of moonflowers in southern zones, and dig them up for winter storage in colder areas.

Light requirements for growing moonflowers are adaptable, but more sun equals more blooms.

Care for Moonflowers

Water small plants regularly and provide additional water as moonflower vines grow.

Regular fertilization at half strength with a high phosphorus fertilizer encourages more blooms on this plant. Too much nitrogen fertilizer may limit blooms and create abundant growth of the foliage.

Now that you’ve learned how to grow a moonflower vine and how to care for moonflowers, be sure to add some to your garden or any sunny area where you can take advantage of beautiful blooms and fantastic evening fragrance, especially in the nighttime moon garden.

Note: Many of the Ipomea species contain lysergic acid, especially the seeds, which may be toxic if ingested. Keep these plants well away from small children or pets in the garden.

What are Moonflowers?

Ever since we were little kids learning about photosynthesis, we knew that all plants love sunlight…or do they? It turns out, not all flowers like to bathe in the sun. Instead, some flowers open just as the sun sets and close early in the morning as it begins to rise. These plants are known as moonflowers.

What are Moonflowers?

Just like nocturnal animals are awake at night, moonflowers are nocturnal plants. These special plants only bloom at night, when the moon is out. During the day, moonflowers are no larger than an inch or two wide, but when the sun sets, they open up to an astounding six or seven inch long bloom.

Because of their aloof bloom and sweet smell, moonflowers are extremely romantic. In addition to only blooming at night, these tropical perennials further live up to their name by blooming in a round, full shape that closely resembles a full moon. Though moonflowers are typically white, deep purple ones have been known to grow in very hot climates.

While they can be found in home gardens, moonflowers seeds are extremely poisonous — so they shouldn’t be planted in front of homes that have small children or pets running around. They are, however, great for lawns that are prone to unwelcome wildlife, since their fragrant aroma will keep roaming deer from nibbling on your garden.

How to Care for Moonflowers

Whether you have a small garden growing along the side of your house or acres of land, anyone can successfully grow these durable, low-maintenance flowers.

• Because they grow upwards (against houses, fences, and even other plants), moonflowers require very little room to grow to their full form — which in some cases can be as tall as 20 feet!
• Moonflowers typically grow in warmer climates, but they can still survive colder winters when planted as annuals.
• If you’re planning on growing them in a colder region, make sure to prune them after a frost.
• It’s normal for a few of the plant’s leaves to die, however they should be picked off immediately to prevent the disease.
• Moonflowers don’t require too much water. Typically, they only need to be watered once a week.

If you’re thinking of planting this sweet-smelling, vine-like flower, there’s no better time than now! In warmer climates, early spring is the best time to plant moonflowers. Then, by mid summer, they’ll start to bloom and delicately make their way along the side of your house.

Tara Carlson

Tara Carlson graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Public Relations and loves any and all things creative writing – which is why she is thrilled to be working with Petal Talk. When she’s not writing, you can probably find her swimming at the beach, playing soccer, and catching up on the latest movies (she’s a big fan of award season)!