The Complete Guide to Growing Moonflowers and Morning Glories Together

Moonflowers and morning glories are two of the most popular flowering vines for the home garden. With their fast growth and prolific blooms throughout the season, these twins make a dynamic duo that will bring vertical interest to any garden.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing these beauties together, from planning and planting to supporting and maintaining them

Moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) and morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are related species in the Convolvulaceae family. They share similar needs and growth habits making them ideal companions in the garden.

Morning Glories

Morning glories are annual vines that unfurl brightly colored trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, red and white. The flowers open with the morning sun and last for just one day.

There are many popular varieties to choose from, including

• Heavenly Blue – Vibrant purple-blue

• Grandpa Ott – Deep purple with red star in center

• Scarlett O’Hara – Bright red

• Pearly Gates – Pure white

Moonflowers

Moonflowers open their large, white trumpet-shaped blooms in the evening and release a lovely, lemon-like fragrance. The flowers can grow up to 6-8 inches across and close when touched by the morning sun.

Unlike morning glories, moonflowers are perennial in zones 9-11 but grown as annuals in cooler climates. There is just one main species grown with no special varieties.

Why Grow Them Together?

Here are some of the benefits of planting morning glories and moonflowers side by side:

• Extended blooming period – Morning glories provide color during the day while moonflowers take over at night.

• Complementary colors – The pure white moonflower blooms pair elegantly with vivid morning glory hues.

• Shared needs – Both vines thrive in similar conditions, making them easy companions.

• Efficient use of space – A single trellis or wall can support both for vertical appeal.

• Fragrance – Moonflowers fill the evening air with a lovely scent.

Planning Your Planting

When planning your morning glory and moonflower garden, here are some tips:

Sunlight

Select a very sunny location. Morning glories and moonflowers both require full sun – at least 6 hours per day. A spot that gets sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon is ideal.

Support Structure

Provide a support structure for the vines to climb. Options include a trellis, fence, arbor or strings attached to a wall. The structure should be tall, at least 5-6 feet.

Design Ideas

• Plant moonflowers on one side of a trellis and morning glories on the other for a two-toned vertical garden.

• Alternate moonflower and morning glory plants along a fence line.

• Grow moonflowers up strings fanning out across a wall with morning glories at their base.

Proximity

Plant the vines close together, spacing 8-12 inches apart. This encourages quicker coverage.

How to Plant

Follow these tips for successful planting:

When to Plant

Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date for your zone. Morning glories and moonflowers cannot withstand any frost.

Or start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost to get a head start on growth. Take care not to disturb roots when transplanting.

Preparing Soil

Enrich soil with compost or aged manure before planting. Well-drained soil is essential.

Planting Seeds

Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart along the base of your support structure. Water gently after planting.

Germination

Seeds will germinate in 5-10 days when soil temps reach 65°F.

Thinning

When seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, thin to 1 plant every 8-12 inches.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer when planting and again midseason.

Mulching

Spread 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and deter weeds. Leave space around stem.

Support and Training

Morning glories and moonflowers are vigorous climbers but they need some help reaching and clinging to supports. Here are some tips:

Add string or twine up the support structure to encourage climbing.

Tie stems loosely to the support as they grow using soft plant ties or cloth strips.

Pinch off side shoots to promote upward growth.

Weave stems through trellis openings or fencing.

Use plant velcro to affix wayward stems to smooth surfaces.

Wrap stems that reach the top back down to fill out the structure.

With a little hands-on care, you’ll get lush green vines covered in flowers.

Ongoing Care

Here are some tips for taking care of morning glories and moonflowers throughout the season:

Watering

Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the soil line, not from overhead.

Fertilizing

Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to fuel growth and blooms.

Pruning

Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth. Remove faded flowers and unwanted growth.

Weeding

Mulch well and pull weeds to avoid competing for nutrients.

Pests & Diseases

Aphids, spider mites and Japanese beetles may appear. Hose off plants to control.

Overwintering

Collect seeds in fall to replant next year. Most vines will die with frost. Moonflowers in zone 9-11 may return.

Troubleshooting Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions:

Few flowers – Too much shade or nitrogen fertilizer can limit blooms. Provide ample sunlight and use a balanced fertilizer.

Lack of germination – Soil is too cold. Wait until soil warms to at least 65°F before planting. Scarify hard seeds.

Vines not climbing – Add support strings and train stems upwards. Pinch off side shoots.

Leaves yellowing – Overwatering can cause roots to rot. Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.

Holes in leaves – Caterpillars or Japanese beetles are feeding. Remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap.

Moldy growth – Water early in the day so plants dry out. Improve airflow with proper spacing and pruning.

Tips for Maximizing Blooms

Here are some tricks to get the most flowers:

• Grow morning glories and moonflowers from seed each year for best performance.

• Use fertilizer low in nitrogen or blooms will be reduced.

• Soak seeds in water overnight before planting to speed germination.

• Pinch back tips frequently to encourage branching and flower production.

• Remove spent blooms daily to motivate more blossoms.

• Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods.

Gorgeous Companion Plants

Here are some great options for planting alongside morning glories and moonflowers:

• Sunflowers – Another big, bold annual vine.

• Clematis – Showy, non-vining climbers.

• Cosmos – Bright daisy-like flowers.

• Marigolds – Cheerful, edible blooms.

• Zinnias – Vivid, butterfly-attracting flowers.

• Nasturtiums – Cascades of edible, funnel-shaped blooms.

• Petunias – Mediterranean night fragrance.

Enjoying Every Hour of Blooms

By planting morning glories and moonflowers together, you can enjoy an endless succession of flower color from dawn to dusk throughout the season.

With full sun, rich soil, ample water and smart vertical gardening techniques, these flowering vines will reward you with a lush, heavenly carpet of blossoms.

The moonflower’s evening fragrance is the perfect finishing touch to a garden filled with vivid morning glory blooms each day. Together, they maximize space and provide sensory pleasure around the clock.

What’s your favorite morning glory variety to pair with classic white moonflowers? Let us know in the comments!