Species moonflower
slaver form, white flower with dark green stems and leaves

moonflower

Ipomoea alba

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is an annual vining plant with fragrant white flowers that open at night and close by day. It can grow up to 5 feet tall, with the evening sky alive with butterflies drawn to the sweet perfume of its blossoms. This tropical twining vine Crips into Fall, and with some freezing weather can survive to bloom again in the spring. Moonflower is perfect for creating a moonlit atmosphere in your garden or patio and attracts hummingbirds and moths, making it perfect for wildlife gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Moonflowers should be watered approximately every 2-3 days. Water the soil until it is moderately moist, making sure not to over-water. Too much water can cause the plant to become overwatered and lead to root rot. During the warm summer months, additional waterings may be needed due to the high temperatures and increased evaporation. Make sure to water at the base of the soil to avoid wetting the foliage.

sunlight

Moonflower is a tender, fast-growing, tropical plant species that loves plenty of direct sunlight. For optimal growth and flowering, it needs 6-7 hours of full sun every day. It thrives in temperatures between 65–78 °F (18–26 °C). In warmer climates, it needs some protection from the midday sun to prevent scorching. Moonflower will also need some shade during hot summers, or its leaves may get scorched. In colder climates, it needs some protection from early morning and late afternoon sun.

pruning

It is recommended to prune moonflower (Ipomoea alba) plants beginning in late winter or early spring before new growth has begun. Pruning should be limited to cutting back long tendrils or removing dead and diseased growth. To keep the plant healthy, it is best to avoid removing more than 1-third of the plant's overall foliage. Pruning can encourage new growth and help to keep the plant looking tidy during the growing season. Doing so will also help the plant direct energy to blooming new flowers.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Moonflower typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Moonflower typically starts flowering in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map