Ipomoea alba, commonly known as Moonflower, is a captivating nocturnal vine that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, this plant is celebrated for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night, filling the air with their sweet perfume.
Moonflower is a fast-growing, twining vine that can reach impressive lengths of up to 15 to 40 feet. Its heart-shaped leaves are deep green and glossy, providing an attractive backdrop for the star of the show—the exquisite flowers. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and add a lush, tropical feel to any setting.
The most enchanting feature of Ipomoea alba is its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the evening and close at dawn. These flowers can measure up to 6 inches in diameter and are usually pure white, radiating their beauty in the moonlight. The fragrance emitted by the blossoms is particularly alluring, reminiscent of jasmine or gardenia, and is often most intense during the night. Moonflowers are pollinated by nocturnal moths, which are attracted to their bright white blooms and sweet scent.
Moonflowers thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and are commonly grown as annuals in cooler regions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. These vines are relatively low-maintenance and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Because of their rapid growth, they benefit from sturdy supports or trellises for climbing.
Popular choice for creating vertical interest in gardens and landscapes. It can be trained to climb arbors, fences, pergolas, trees, or other structures, adding a touch of romance and elegance to outdoor spaces. Moonflowers are also excellent choices for moonlit or evening gardens, where their night-blooming nature can be fully appreciated.
To keep Moonflowers looking their best, regular pruning can help control their growth and shape. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming and prevent seed formation.
Moonflowers, with their night-blooming habit and sweet fragrance, provide a valuable source of nectar for nocturnal pollinators such as moths. They contribute to the delicate balance of local ecosystems by supporting these pollinators and enhancing the biodiversity of the garden. As bats are drawn to the moths.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Moist to dry
Form: Vine
Size: up to 40' long
Life Span: Long-lived perennial or annual in North Florida
Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: Low/None
Salt Spray/Soil Tolerance: Low/None
Soil: Loam, Sand
pH: Adaptable
Zones: 8A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11
Flower Color: White
Bloom Season: Summer into fall
Fruit Color: Brown
Noted for: Aroma, fragrance, showy flowers
Recommended Uses: Recommended only for use where it can be controlled such as on a trellis or in areas where expansive growth is appropriate.
Native Habitats: Disturbed wetland and lake edges, mangrove fringes.
Considerations: Extremely vigorous, may overtop other plants. Can be planted further north but should be treated as an annual.
Wildlife: Pollinated by moths.
Comments: Blooms open late in the day and remain open through the night. Fragrant.Can be agrown as an anuual north of its native range. Considered to be invasive in subtropical and tropical areas outside of its natural range.
Plant information sourced from FNPS
