Tall Morning-Glory
Ipomoea purpurea
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
iNaturalist: © nveronika (iNaturalist #34201446)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Convolvulaceae
- Genus:
- Ipomoea
- Species:
- Ipomoea purpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- IPPU2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink, blue, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), Common Looper Moth (Autographa precationis), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra), Microthyris anormalis, Pebops ipomoeae, Smartweed Borer (Ostrinia obumbratalis), sweet potato leaf miner (Bedellia somnulentella), T-moth (Emmelina monodactyla), Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica), waterlily leafcutter moth (Synclita obliteralis), Western yellowstriped armyworm (Spodoptera praefica), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma), Yellow-striped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, disturbed areas with good sunlight
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarify seed coat (nick or soak in hot water) before sowing; germinates readily in warm soil.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)