Moonflower Vine – Night Blooming Flowers

The Moonflower Vine (also known as Moon Plant, Moon Vine, and Ipomoea alba) is a dramatic tropical vine that puts on a beautiful display of large, white, night-blooming flowers.

The large, white moon flowers, which are five to six inches (12 – 15 cm) across, are surrounded by heart shaped leaves that are a rich, deep green color and four to eight inches (10 – 20 cm) long.

Moonflower Vine is native to tropical America. It can grow up to sixteen feet tall, and should be planted near some type of vertical support, such as a trellis, fence, or wall.

It can be grown as an annual in any hardiness zone during warm weather. In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 – 11, it grows as a perennial.

The flowers are fragrant and bloom during warm summer evenings. As the sun sets in the late afternoon, the flowers open, releasing a sweet fragrance. As the sun rises, the blooms slowly spiral closed.

Moonflower Vine Information and Plant Care Tips

USDA Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 9 - 11

Lighting

Full sun - will benefit from some direct sunlight.

Watering

Keep soil moist, not soggy. Water regularly, avoid overwatering.

Fertilizer

Do not over fertilize this perennial flowering vine. Over fertilization could result in an abundance of leaves and few flowers.

Propagation

Collect seeds for propagation when the husks that follow the white moonflower blooms become black and dry out. Store seeds in a dry place.

To prepare moonflower seeds for planting, nick the seeds with a knife. Soak the seeds in water overnight to promote germination.  After the danger of frost has past, seeds can be planted directly into the soil.

Select a location with well-draining soil.

Plant 2-3 seeds about 1 inch deep.

Moonflower vines will need some type of support as they grow – they can grow up to 16 feet tall

Water the plants regularly. Soil should be kept evenly moist.

Requires minimal feeding - fertilize with liquid plant fertilizer, once or twice later in the summer.

Soil

Grows best in moist, well-drained soil.

Pests and Diseases

Insect and disease problems are minimal. Insecticides, repellents or fungicide should be applied as needed.

Display and Uses

Moon vine can be planted in hanging baskets or pots. If planted in a traditional pot, provide some type of support, such as a small trellis. Support is necessary when planted in the landscape as well; plant near a trellis, wall, or fence.

Tips for Propagating and Planting Moonflower Vine

1. To prepare moonflower seeds for planting, nick the seeds with a knife. Soak the seeds in water overnight to promote germination.

2. Plant seeds in peat pots. Fill the peat pots with soil-less planting medium. Potting soil should be 3/4 inch below the pot's rim. Moisten soil with water. Place 2 to 3 seeds on the soil. Cover seeds with ½ inch of potting mix. Water seeds gently.

3. Planted seeds should be kept in a warm, moist location until the seedlings are ready to be transplanted. The best time to start vines indoors is 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds will germinate in approximately three weeks.

4. Seedlings can be planted when they have grown two or three leaves. When you are ready to plant, limit seedlings to one vine per pot. Extra seedlings can be removed by cutting them with scissors. Do not pull them out of the soil - this could damage the roots of the remaining seedling. Seedlings that are ready for planting should have formed 2 or 3 leaves.

5. Select a location that receives bright sunshine (direct sun is ideal). This tropical vine prefers a sunny location; however, it will tolerate light shade. A moist, well-draining soil is preferred. Also, climbing vines need vertical support, such as a fence, trellis, or wall.

6. Loosen the soil in the selected planting area. Dig a hole slightly wider than the peat pot, matching the depth. Place the potted seedling in the hole and lightly cover with the original soil.