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.
This 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.
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.