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Common morning glory
Also known as: Purple morning-glory
Common morning glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.
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Toxic to Human & Pets
Toxicity
Weeds
Weed or not
Annual
Lifespan
Vine, Herb
Plant Type
Late spring, Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Fall
Harvest Time
2 m to 3 m
Plant Height
90 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
3 cm to 6 cm
Flower Size
White, Purple, Blue, Pink, Red
Flower Color
Purple, Green, Red, White, Blue
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer, Fall
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Common morning glory

Distribution of Common morning glory

Distribution Map
Common morning glory is native from the southern US through much of South America, growing in forests, disturbed areas, and wastelands. It has been widely introduced in tropical and subtropical countries, along with much of the US and Canada. In the southern US, South Africa, Australia, and throughout the tropics, it is listed as an invasive and noxious weed.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Scrub, Waste places, Stream banks, Waste areas
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Common morning glory is a popular ornamental garden climber with alluring flowers and heart-shaped foliage. The flowers open early, greeting the morning and closing in the afternoon, bringing charm to the garden. Traditionally, it is grown in cottage gardens and Mediterranean gardens, as well as non-traditional gardens such as hanging baskets and containers. It makes an attractive cover on trellises, arbors, fences, or nearby structures.
Symbolism
Fame, affectation
Interesting Facts
Common morning glory grows on the roadside, and grows well without special care and can produce beautiful flowers. Therefore, it symbolizes a tenacious and indomitable spirit.
Name Story
Common morning-glory: Any plants that are from Ipomoea genus are featured with trumpet-shaped flowers that are beautiful and colorful. The plant can't withstand the long cold night and often blossom during morning times. Every time after it blooms for two hours, the flower petals will curl outwards as if it is greeting everyone good morning. Hence, it is called common morning-glory.
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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common morning glory, including the following common varieties :

Toxicity

Common morning glory contains alkaloids that are poisonous to humans, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Children, dogs, and cats are most at risk, primarily through ingestion of the seeds containing high concentrations of toxic compounds. Symptoms in pets include gastrointestinal upset and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is essential for affected animals.
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Weed Control

A vine plant that is native to Mexico and Central America, common morning glory is now found all over the world. However, on every continent besides South America, it is recognized as a noxious and/or invasive weed, and it is referred to as "bindweed" due to its aggressive entwining bind to anything it touches. Once established, it becomes nearly impossible to eradicate. Its roots spread widely and deeply, creating severe difficulty in removal. Common morning glory also chokes out any plants it gets a hold of, causing disaster in home gardens and wild ecosystems alike.
How to Control It
For common morning glory, the best season and time to remove, restrict, or control the plant is during late spring or early summer, before it has a chance to flower and set seeds. Here are ways to manage common morning glory:
  1. Hand pulling: Regularly inspect the garden for common morning glory seedlings and pull them out by hand, making sure to remove the root system to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Lay a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants, which will suppress common morning glory by blocking sunlight and smothering seedlings.
  3. Barrier creation: Install garden edging or barriers to contain common morning glory within a specific area, preventing it from spreading into unwanted regions of your garden.
  4. Pruning: If growing common morning glory intentionally, regularly prune the vines to prevent them from overtaking other plants and potentially becoming invasive.
  5. Boiling water: Pour boiling water directly onto unwanted common morning glory plants to kill them without the use of chemicals. Caution is recommended to avoid harming nearby desirable vegetation.
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Quickly Identify Common morning glory

1
Heart-shaped leaves with smooth margins and pointed apex, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long.
2
Vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in colors like purple, blue, pink, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) wide.
3
Distinctive globoid capsule fruit with dark, wedge-shaped seeds, 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) diameter.
4
Brown-purple twining stem with fine hairs, 0.25 inches (6 mm) thick, climbing habit.
5
Thrives in various soils, self-seeding, robust nature with rapid growth up to 6-10 feet (180-300 cm).
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Care Guide for Common morning glory

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Common morning glory originates from tropical regions, thriving in high humidity and regular rainfall. It prefers consistent moisture, with weekly watering recommended. Benefiting from rainwater, common morning glory enhances its climbing growth on trellises and fences during peak growing seasons.
Fertilize: For healthy growth, fertilize common morning glory monthly with high phosphorus fertilizers to enhance root systems and blooms. Apply balanced, water-soluble fertilizers during the growing season, reducing frequency in fall and winter. Water thoroughly after fertilization to prevent root burn and promote even nutrient distribution.
Pruning: Common morning glory thrives with strategic pruning, ideally in early to late spring. Remove dead or diseased stems, control overgrowth, and encourage branching by cutting above a leaf node. This practice promotes healthier blooms, improves air circulation, and prevents unwanted spreading for optimal growth.
Propagation: Common morning glory is a vibrant climber with trumpet-shaped blooms. To grow common morning glory, sow seeds in well-draining soil, ensuring they receive light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Handle seedlings delicately and provide support such as trellises to promote natural growth.
Repotting: Plant common morning glory in 7-8 cm pots and transplant to a medium-sized pot once leaves develop from seedlings. This ensures optimal growth and health for the plant during its early stages.
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