United States Edition

Moonflower vine

Ipomoea alba

'Moonflower vine' is a plant in the Ipomoea genus with a scientific name of Ipomoea alba. The botanical name epithet for Moonflower vine (alba) means 'white coloured'.

Fragrant white nightbloomer…4"-6" white flowers.
Flowers close up at noon.
Short lived, few years only.
Natural habitat is wet tropical forests and watercourses.
Potential to be weed in USA and Australia.
Young leaves, fleshy calyces and seeds can be cooked.

It is a flower that typically grows as an evergreen, which is defined as a plant that retains leaves throughout the year. Moonflower vine is known for its vine habit and growing to a height of approximately 5.00 metres (16.25 feet). This plant tends to bloom in late summer. Popular varieties of Moonflower vine with home gardeners are Giant White, Evening Glory, and Fragrant.

Moonflower vine is normally fairly low maintenance and is normally quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Moonflower vine have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Moonflower vine

  • Full Sun

    +
  • Medium

Dilute liquid fertilizer during growing period, but keep drier in winter.

At least 6 hours of sunlight a day for flowering.

In frosty areas, cut off tops in autumn and cover roots with mulch.
In really cold areas, give up and grow them as annuals.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Moonflower vine is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.

Growing Moonflower vine from seed

Cut a notch in the seed with a file, or soak for several hours in sulfuric acid or overnight in warm water.
Sow in autumn if winters are mild (then you don’t have to worry about seed pre-treatment), otherwise in spring.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 11.7 inches (30.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.98 inches (2.5 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 16°C / 61°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Moonflower vine

Plant 5-7 well-rooted seedlings in a 8-12" pot.
Water only moderately until pot is filled with roots.
Crowding is thought to improve flowering.

Help 1"-2"- seedlings to twine around trellis, etc.

Can also be grown from cuttings, layering, root division, tubers on stems.

Companion plants for Moonflower vine

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Moonflower vine so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Moonflower vine

These plants will not grow well with Moonflower vine so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Moonflower vine problems

These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Moonflower vine plants:

Moonflower vine Folklore & Trivia

Can be used to treat snakebite.

Other names for Moonflower vine

Giant white moonflower moonflower, Moon vine, Tropical white morning glory

Calonyction album, Calonyction aculeatum, Calonyction bona-nox, Ipomoea noctiflora, Calonyction pulcherrimum

Latest Moonflower vine Reviews

  • 15 Sep 2012
    Reviewed

    Cremmy18 Cremmy18's Moonflower vine 'Giant White' was Reviewed day 217

    An amazing, intriguing, beautiful, long lasting, but slow blooming climber! Both this one, and the 2nd planting have done splendid, taking over and hardened off quickly in their new home, covering their space thoroughly!

    5 stars

See all Moonflower vine reviews and experiences »

Moonflower vine care instructions

How long does Moonflower vine take to grow?

These estimates for how long Moonflower vine takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Footnotes

Popular varieties of Moonflower vine

View the complete variety list for Moonflower vine »

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