About

A vigorous twining evergreen perennial to around 3m in height, with heart-shaped or 3-lobed green leaves. Clematis-like mauve-pink streaked flowers, green towards the tips, open over a long period from late spring to autumn.

About the genus

Ipomoea can be annuals or perennials, often twining, or evergreen shrubs, with simple, lobed or dissected leaves and tubular or funnel-shaped flowers which may be solitary or borne in racemes or panicles

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two or three weeks. Water sparingly in winter. If grown in a container it can be put outside in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free