About
Flowers borne from summer into early autumn are funnel-shaped, 3-6cm in diameter and deep purple to bluish-purple or a reddish-purple with white throats. A short-lived perennial twining climber to 5m tall, usually grown as an annual. Leaves are heart-shaped or three-lobed.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Climber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
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 as an annual climber in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun and sheltered from cold winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshoouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free