Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. But if you don’t have time to care for a plant that spreads seeds quickly, you might not want to put it in your garden. They can quickly get out of hand. They will quickly hide behind a fence, pergola, or arbor if they have room to run around. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
If you live somewhere below 45 F, they are annual, but they can still reseed and grow back every year on their own. In warmer, more tropical climates, they are perennial.
Blue morning glory vines are classic climbing plants that have been beloved for generations. With their brightly colored trumpet-shaped blooms and vigorous growth habit, they add vertical interest and plenty of old-fashioned charm to gardens.
The most popular variety is ‘Heavenly Blue’ morning glory known for its rich, vibrant blue flowers. But there are other blue options to explore as well along with interesting bicolors and variegated types.
Here is an overview of growing these beautiful blue vines
About Blue Morning Glory Vines
Morning glories belong to the Convolvulaceae family and the genus Ipomoea. They are annual vines in most zones, but may come back as short-lived perennials in very warm climates.
These fast growing vines can easily reach up to 10-12 feet in one season. They produce colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that open wide in the morning sun and close up in the afternoon.
Blue morning glories range in shade from pale sky blue to deep royal blue. The contrast of the colorful blooms with the bright white center is eye-catching.
Popular blue varieties include:
- ‘Heavenly Blue’ – Rich mid blue with white center
- ‘Blue Star’ – Light blue with white star pattern
- ‘Flying Saucers’ – Variegated silvery blue and white
- ‘Pearly Gates’ – White with blue-violet stripes
Growing Conditions for Blue Morning Glories
Morning glories thrive with full sun exposure. They will grow in partial shade but may not bloom as heavily.
These plants prefer average, well-drained soil and moderate water. Established vines are quite drought tolerant. Blue morning glories are not picky about soil pH and will grow in most garden soils.
Provide a sturdy support structure for the vigorous vines to climb. Options include trellises, arbors, fences, and obelisks. Allow plenty of vertical space for growth.
How to Plant Blue Morning Glory Vines
Morning glories are easy to grow from seed sown directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed germination. Sow seeds 1⁄2-1 inch deep in pots or trays, keeping the soil evenly moist until sprouted. Harden off seedlings before transplanting them into the garden after all danger of frost.
Space seedlings or direct sown seeds 6-12 inches apart. Water new transplants regularly until their root systems establish. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly to encourage growth and flowering.
Caring for Blue Morning Glory Vines
Blue morning glories are quick to establish and quite tolerant of heat, humidity, and dry conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water vines regularly until established, then 1-2 times per week during dry periods
- Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom time
- Stake or trellis vines as needed to provide support
- Apply mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds
- Monitor for aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and fungal issues
- Cut back vines after first hard frost in fall
Harvesting and Using Blue Morning Glory Flowers
The lovely blue morning glory flowers make charming cut flowers for summer bouquets. Harvest blooms early in the day when the flowers are fully open.
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Morning glories will bloom freely all season long with proper deadheading.
In addition to vertical planting, try blue morning glory vines:
- Spilling from hanging baskets
- Screening an ugly fence or wall
- Covering a pergola or arbor
- Adding color to garden obelisks or pyramid frames
- Softening the look of metal railings and posts
Varieties of Blue Morning Glories to Try
Here are some top picks for outstanding blue morning glory vines:
- ‘Heavenly Blue’ – Vibrant mid blue flowers on a vigorous vine
- ‘Blue Star’ – Pale blue blooms with delicate star pattern
- ‘Flying Saucers’ – Large, unique two-tone flowers in blue and white
- ‘Pearly Gates’ – White blooms with bluish-violet stripes
- ‘Blue Picotee’ – White with blue picotee edges
- ‘Blue Ensign’ – Medium blue with traces of deeper blue
With their fast, dense growth and long lasting color, blue morning glory vines are easy to grow vertical accents for trellises, fences, arbors, and more. Choose a variety like ‘Heavenly Blue’ or ‘Flying Saucers’ for classic trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of rich blue.
Are morning glory vines invasive?
People often mix up morning glories with field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), which is also known as creeping Jenny and is very aggressive and invasive. However, they are not the same species. Morning glories are from the family Ipomoea and, yes, can also be hard to handle and stubborn. They grow very quickly and will aggressively spread their own seeds if you don’t cut them back and get rid of the seed pods. Some types have been labeled invasive in some areas. Not so with field bindweed. It grows deep roots that are very hard to get rid of. These deep roots also allow it to overwinter in colder climates to return again and again. Field bindweed blooms in white or pink flowers and usually has smaller leaves than morning glory.
Morning glories are easy to grow from seeds, and you can do it inside four to six weeks before the last frost. In the garden, plant seeds after the ground has warmed up to 64 F and there is no longer a chance of frost.
Pick a site that gets plenty of sun. They will tolerate some very light shade, but bloom their best in full sun. Because of their rapid growth, choose a location that will allow for its mature size. Should you let them, morning glories will easily spread their seeds to other plants. Make sure they are in a place where you can easily remove spent flowers before they go to seed, or where self-seeding is allowed. Be considerate of neighboring yards and where the seeds might fall.
If you are planting from seeds, break the outer shell of the seeds with a file and soak them for 24 hours before planting. This will help them germinate. Cover lightly with one-quarter to one-half inch of soil and water thoroughly. When transplanting, be careful of the roots, as they don’t like being disturbed. Water deeply for several days after transplanting to help the roots get established in their new home. If you are starting from seeds, it is best to use peat or other pots that break down easily so that the plants can be planted directly in the ground. This will keep the roots from having to work too hard.
Morning glories grow quite rapidly once established, up to 12 feet or more in one season.
There is no need to prune, but old flowers should be carefully removed before they turn into seedpods to stop the plant from self-seeding.
Morning glories prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist until the plant is well established. Adult plants aren’t as picky about their soil and can tolerate poor, dry conditions.
Although usually not necessary, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Be careful not to fertilize too much as this can produce more foliage than flowers.
During the growing season, water the morning glory plants as much as they need, but once or twice a week when it’s dry. Established plants can handle being drier. Cut back watering in winter.
Softwood cuttings of perennial species can be rooted in spring or summer. Harvest mature seeds in the fall.
Morning glory vines are strong and don’t usually get diseases or pests. However, they can get white blister, rust, fungal leaf spot, stem rot, and wilt. They can also be bothered by aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Deer will eat morning glory leaves and vines, although the seeds are poisonous.
All morning glories should be grown with care and you should check for locally invasive species. Here are a few of the more widely acceptable types: Swipe to view slides
Photo by: alybaba / Shutterstock.
Common morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 10 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: June to October; year-round in tropics
Color: Purple flower with white throat
Trumpet-shaped purple flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, which is what gives morning glories their common name. This fast grower grows up to 10 feet in one season. See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: ChViroj / Shutterstock.
Moonflower Ipomoea alba
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 10-12 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 10 to 15 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: July to October; year-round in tropics
Color: White flower
This tropical native is noted for its fragrant nighttime blooms and broad, deep green leaves. Flowers open in the evening and close before noon the following day. (Not to be confused with daturas, also commonly called moonflower.) See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
‘Heavenly Blue’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Blue-purple flower with white throat, yellow center
Fast growing, twining climber with a classic morning glory look. Prohibited in Arizona and Arkansas.
Photo by: I_Fleurs / Shutterstock.
Flying Saucers’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Silvery white, streaked with blue
One of the more popular varieties due to its variegated flower, it produces large saucer-shaped blooms.
Photo by: Jjaikla / Shutterstock.
Beach morning glory, railroad vine, bayhops Ipomoea pes-caprae
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: Ground cover 16 inches high and can spread over 30 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Late summer
Color: Pink petals with a darker center
Tolerant of sandy soil, salty air and water. Found along southern beaches from Texas to Florida and Georgia. Fast growing ground cover with evergreen leaves.
Photo by: Lucia Barabino / Pixabay.com.
Mile-a-minute vine, Messina creeper, Cairo morning glory Ipomoea cairica
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: 8 to 10 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropical climates
Color: Purple
Noted as invasive in some areas, check locally before planting.
Photo by: Carol Cloud Bailey / Millette Photomedia.
Ground morning glory Convolvulus sabatius
Zones: Perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 20 F
Height/Spread: Groundcover 1 foot tall and spreads 3 feet in diameter
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Spring through fall, year-round in mild winter regions
Color: Lavender-blue
Forms a mat of green leaves with funnel-shaped flowers.
Photo by: Sari ONeal / Shutterstock.
Cardinal climber Ipomoea xmultifida (I. sloteri)
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 12 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Color: Bright red
A favorite of hummingbirds, with bright red tubular flowers and deeply cut foliage.
- Morning glory vines grow quickly and will cover fences, trellises, pergolas, and arches.
- You can use them to make a colorful wall or hide something that doesn’t look good.
- Fashion a living fence, porch or deck railing.
- Plant vines in containers with a supporting trellis.
- Hang from a basket, and they’ll also tie the hangers together.
- Grow responsibly in areas where reseeding is acceptable.
- Some types are thought to be invasive in some places, so check before you plant.
Blue My Mind® dwarf morning glory. Photo: Proven Winners.
Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’. Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. But if you don’t have time to care for a plant that spreads seeds quickly, you might not want to put it in your garden. They can quickly get out of hand. They will quickly hide behind a fence, pergola, or arbor if they have room to run around. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
If you live somewhere below 45 F, they are annual, but they can still reseed and grow back every year on their own. In warmer, more tropical climates, they are perennial.
6 to 12 feet, or more depending on variety.
Varieties available in purple, blue, red, white, pink and bi-colored.
Morning glory seeds are highly toxic if ingested.
Are morning glories invasive?!
FAQ
Do blue morning glories come back every year?
Are morning glories a climbing vine?
What are the cons of morning glory vines?