About
A short-lived perennial climber, usually grown as an annual, with slender twining stems and heart-shaped green leaves. Funnel-shaped, violet-blue flowers with reddish pink 'stars' are produced from early summer to early 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 moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
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
CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained soil in full sun, minimum temperature 7-10°C. Provide support for climbing stems
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite when grown under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and virus diseases