Moonflower
Moonflower commonly refers to *Ipomoea alba*, a night-blooming vine in the morning glory family.
Moonflower commonly refers to *Ipomoea alba*, a night-blooming vine in the morning glory family. It is grown for its large, fragrant white flowers that open at dusk and close by morning. The plant is a tender perennial in warm climates but is often grown as an annual in cooler regions. In Canada, it is typically cultivated as a warm-season ornamental annual due to its lack of hardiness through Canadian winters.
Description
Moonflower is a fast-growing twining vine with heart-shaped leaves and large white trumpet-shaped flowers. The blooms are fragrant and open rapidly in the evening, closing by the next morning. The flowers are most visible at night.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In warmer climates (USDA zones 10–11) it can grow as a perennial, while in colder regions it is typically cultivated as an annual. In Canada, it is not hardy through winters in most regions and is grown as a warm-season annual.
Cultivation
Moonflower is commonly grown in gardens on trellises or fences. It prefers full sun, warm conditions, and well-draining soil. Plants are often started from seed. They typically reach a height of about 10–15 feet and bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall.
Taxonomy and naming
Moonflower is classified in the genus *Ipomoea* and family Convolvulaceae (the morning glory family). Common names include moonflower, moonvine, tropical white morning glory, and evening glory. In common speech, the name 'moonflower' can also refer to other night-blooming plants.
Key facts
- Moonflower is a twining vine known for nocturnal, fragrant white blooms.
- The flowers open rapidly in the evening and close by morning.
- It belongs to the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae.
- The plant is usually grown outdoors as an annual in temperate climates.
- The species is *Ipomoea alba*; the name can also be used for other night-blooming plants in common speech.
Moonflower is grown in Canada mainly as a warm-season ornamental annual, since it requires frost-free conditions and is not hardy through Canadian winters in most regions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a moonflower?
When do moonflowers bloom?
Is moonflower an annual or perennial?
What family does moonflower belong to?
Where is moonflower native to?
References
- North Carolina State University Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ipomoea-alba/Supports: Scientific name, family, flower traits, growth habit, height, and cultivation notes.
- The Bouqs — https://www.bouqs.com/blog/what-are-moonflowers/Supports: Common names, bloom timing, annual/perennial habit, hardiness zones, and size.
- Morton Arboretum — https://www.mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/moonflower-annual-vine/Supports: Annual vine description, relationship to morning glories, and night-blooming white flowers.
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture — https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/moonflower-9-16-05.aspxSupports: Vining habit and height.
- The Spruce — https://www.thespruce.com/growing-moonflower-in-containers-4125231Supports: Growth habit, bloom timing, and toxicity note for *Ipomoea* species.