Will Morning Glory Grow in Shade? A Guide to Partial Sun Care

Morning glory is cherished for its exuberant vines and cheerful flowers that unfurl with the morning sun. While typically grown in full sun, gardeners sometimes wonder – will morning glory grow in shade? The quick answer is yes, with some caveats. Morning glories can adapt to partial shade conditions, but may not flower as prolifically without adequate sunlight.

When cared for properly, certain morning glory species and varieties can add graceful foliar interest and a sprinkling of blooms to a partly shaded garden area. Let’s explore optimal morning glory shade gardening tactics.

Morning Glory’s Light Requirements

Most morning glory varieties thrive best in full, direct sunlight. Sun-loving annual types such as Ipomoea tricolor and I. purpurea produce the most abundant blooms when grown in an unobstructed southern exposure. Perennial species like I. indica and I. cairica also flourish in hot, bright locations.

While appreciating bright light, morning glories can tolerate partial shade. Filtered or dappled sunlight enables these vines to survive and lightly flower. However insufficient light leads to reduced vitality. Expect sparser foliage and fewer blossoms in heavily shaded sites. Deep shade will severely inhibit growth.

For best results, provide morning glories with at least 4 hours of direct sun daily. Morning light is preferable, allowing the flowers to display as they open. Shelter plants from harsh midday sun in hot climates. Some shade in the afternoon helps prevent stress.

Select partially shaded spots that receive gentler, filtered light rather than dense shade. East-facing spaces that get morning sun or lightly shaded trellises offer suitable compromises. Adjust expectations for diminished blooms in lower light.

Choosing the Right Varieties

Certain morning glory species and cultivated varieties are better at flowering in partial shade than others. Seek out types marketed as shade tolerant or specified for partial sun exposure. Some top picks include:

• Ipomoea ‘Star of Yelta’ – Bold purple blooms even in low light

• Ipomoea ‘Sunspots’ – Variegated foliage with fewer flowers

• Ipomoea ‘Grandpa Otts’ – Reliably blooms in shady areas.

• Ipomoea ‘Heavenly Blue’ – Sky blue blossoms in moderate shade.

• Ipomoea indica – Perennial with light blue flowers.

• Ipomoea cairica – Vigorous perennial vine produces delicate white blooms.

Avoid heavily variegated varieties that need ample light to support their leaf patterns. Assess vigor and flowering capacity before purchasing. Seek healthy, robust-looking plants.

Soil Needs

Morning glories require a fertile, well-draining soil to fuel growth in shady sites. Work plenty of compost into garden beds before planting to enrich the soil. Good drainage is also critical to prevent fungal issues in lower light.

Adding a balanced organic fertilizer when planting gives morning glory’s roots an extra nutrient boost. Supplement with additional fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Monitor plants for signs of nutrient deficiency and adjust soil amendments accordingly.

Water and Humidity

With fewer hours of direct sun, morning glory’s soil dries out less quickly in shaded gardens. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soils can lead to root rot. Check soil moisture before watering and allow the top few inches to dry between irrigation. Deep weekly soakings are better than frequent shallow watering.

Humidity tends to be higher in shaded environments. While morning glories appreciate humid air, ensure adequate air circulation to prevent disease. Use fans to gently circulate air around plants. Remove any diseased foliage promptly.

Training and Pruning

Without adequate sunlight, morning glory vines become elongated and leggy as they reach for light. Train plants up a trellis or other support to elevate growth and expose it to more sun. Choose a large enough structure to accommodate the vine’s mature size.

Prune back wayward shoots and any growth that becomes overly long and weak. This stimulates denser, more compact growth. Remove spent blooms to tidy plants. Cut back frost-damaged foliage in winter to encourage fresh spring growth.

Addressing Insufficient Light Issues

Monitor morning glories in shade for signs they need more sunlight such as:

• Sparse, weak foliage and stunted growth
• Few to no flowers
• Faded or yellowing leaves
• Leggy, floppy growth habits
• Increased pest/disease damage

Remedy low light issues by pruning excess growth, moving plants to a sunnier locale, or providing supplemental lighting. LED grow lights can compensate for shadows. Fertilize to strengthen starving plants.

Transition Morning Glories Out of Shade

If possible, gradually transition morning glories to sunnier spots to enjoy fuller blooming. Increase light levels incrementally over several weeks to harden growth and avoid sun scalding delicate foliage. Support vines as they become heavier with flowers.

Enjoying Morning Glories in Partial Sun

While morning glory blooms best in full daylight, with proper variety selection and attentive care, these ornamental vines can brighten up partly shaded garden corners. Train plants to maximize available sun exposure. Recognize that flowering and performance will be reduced, but still add beauty. Getting creative allows these versatile plants to flourish.

morning glory: 21 times
shade: 16 times
light: 12 times
sun: 11 times
blooms: 8 times
flowers: 7 times
soil: 5 times
vines: 4 times
growth: 4 times
foliage: 4 times
partial: 4 times
prune: 3 times
water: 3 times
fertilize: 2 times
varieties: 2 times
humidity: 2 times
leggy: 2 times