Growing Moonflowers and Morning Glories Together

Moonflowers and morning glories are two beautiful, fast-growing vines that share many similarities. Both belong to the Convolvulaceae family and have trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl in the morning. When grown together, these complementary vines create a stunning display.

In this article, we’ll look at tips for successfully planting moonflowers and morning glories together. We’ll cover choosing suitable varieties, planting locations, timing of planting, proper care and potential drawbacks. With the right approach, you can enjoy their gorgeous blooms all season long.

Selecting Compatible Varieties

The key to compatible moonflower and morning glory pairings is matching their growth rates and habits. Some considerations

• Flowering times – Choose early, mid and late-blooming varieties to extend the flower show. Moonflowers bloom at night, so select morning glories that open earlier in the day.

• Growth rate – Pair fast-growing morning glories with slower growing moonflower species so neither dominates.

• Climbing methods – Moonflowers use leaf stems to cling and climb smoothly. Morning glories use curling tendrils and can become tangled.

• Flower colors – Contrasting colors look best, like white moonflowers with blue or purple morning glories.

• Flower forms – Combine different flower shapes for interest. Try ruffled or double morning glories with the large, trumpet-shaped moonflower.

Some great variety pairings include Black Knight morning glory with Moonflower, Heavenly Blue morning glory with Grandpa Otts moonflower, and Scarlett O’Hara morning glory with Hawaiian moonflower.

Selecting the Right Location

Since both vines grow rapidly and can spread widely, select a location carefully:

• Full sun is required, at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is especially important.

• Provide a trellis, pergola, chain link fence or other support for the vines to climb. Allow 8-12 feet of height.

• Avoid planting near small trees or shrubs. The dense vines can strangle them as they become established.

• Prepare the soil well with compost to support fast growth. Good drainage is key.

Morning glories will grow well in poorer soils, but moonflowers thrive best in nutrient-rich, moist soil. If possible, amend the entire bed rather than just individual planting holes.

Timing of Planting

Getting the planting time right ensures successful germination since both vines resent transplanting:

• Sow morning glory seeds directly in place after the last spring frost date.

• Start moonflower seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Move them outside after hardening off.

• In warm climates, fall planting in September will give earlier flowers the following summer.

• For quick coverage, plant seedlings 8-12 inches apart in all directions. For fewer plants, space 18-24 inches apart.

Stagger sowing every 2-3 weeks to extend the bloom period into fall. Morning glories will self seed readily under the right conditions.

Proper Care

With proper care, the vines will reward you with months of flowers:

• Water regularly – at least 1-2 inches per week. Avoid wet leaves which can promote disease.

• Fertilize plants monthly with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or compost tea.

• Install climbable supports and train vines as they start growing.

• Pinch growing tips to promote bushy growth and more flowering.

• Remove spent morning glory flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Moonflowers self clean.

• Monitor for common pests like spider mites, aphids and beetles. Treat promptly to avoid population explosions.

• Pull weeds to eliminate competition, especially while plants are young and establishing.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite their beautiful flowers, some downsides of growing morning glories and moonflowers together include:

• They grow rapidly and can quickly take over their space, crowding or smothering nearby plants. Frequent pruning helps control spread.

• Both vines readily self-seed, sometimes excessively. Pull unwanted seedlings as they appear.

• Morning glories can become invasive in some regions. Avoid planting near natural areas.

• Moonflowers die back each winter in cold climates. Morning glories will return via self-seeding.

• Getting the vines to bloom simultaneously and at their peak can take some trial and error. Be patient!

If properly managed, the benefits of the gorgeous flowers far outweigh the drawbacks of growing morning glories and moonflowers together. Pay close attention in the first year and you’ll be rewarded with years of enjoyment.