Blue Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica)

Blue Morning Glory

Ipomoea indica

Vibrant blue blooms unfurl at dawn, a fleeting splash of tropical color. Twining annual or perennial vine; common name: Blue Morning Glory.

Full sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full sun to partial shade; direct morning sun encourages abundant blooming, while afternoon shade prevents bloom fading
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Watering Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely during hot, dry periods
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Temperature Thrives in warm temperatures; cannot tolerate frost, so move indoor or treat as an annual in regions with freezing winters
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy green, 7–15 cm long with pointed tips
  • Flower: Trumpet-shaped, bright blue to violet, 5–8 cm wide, fading to purple by midday
  • Stem: Slender, hairy twining stems that climb supports rapidly
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn to prepare the plant for dormancy in perennial growing zones

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute the mixture 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
  • Remove spent blooms promptly to promote continuous flowering throughout the season
  • Cut back to ground level in autumn in cooler regions where the plant is grown as an annual
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains ergoline alkaloids that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, or dilated pupils

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause nausea, dizziness, or mild hallucinations due to ergoline alkaloids

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes love and affection in some tropical cultures; also represents fleeting beauty due to its short-lived morning blooms

Usage: Ornamental trellis vine for garden fences or arbors; attracts pollinators including bees and hummingbirds