Bush Morning Glory (Ipomoea carnea)

Bush Morning Glory

Ipomoea carnea

Its trumpet blooms unfurl like soft pink trumpets at dawn, a warm splash of color in tropical gardens. Evergreen shrub or vine; common names: bush morning glory, pink morning glory.

Full sun
2–3/week
Moderate
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for abundant blooming; tolerates partial shade in extreme heat
💧
Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy green leaves 5–15 cm long with smooth margins
  • Flower: Trumpet-shaped pink to lavender blooms 8–12 cm wide, opening in early morning
  • Stem: Woody branching stems; vine form has twining growth habit
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; increase frequency during hot, dry spells

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, and dilute 1:20 for root drenching to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim overgrown branches in early spring to maintain a compact, tidy shape
  • Remove damaged or diseased foliage promptly to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
  • Train vine forms on trellises or supports to guide growth and maximize space
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential tremors

Humans: Contains ergoline alkaloids; ingestion may cause nausea, dizziness, or mild hallucinations in large quantities

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes love and new beginnings in some tropical cultural traditions; associated with dawn due to its morning-blooming habit

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; used for erosion control in tropical coastal regions