About
A twining climber to 4m tall usually grown as an annual. with spirally-arranged, heart-shaped leaves 3-7cm long and large, funnel-shaped purple to blue flowers with white throats in summer.
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 typeAnnual Biennial, Climber Wall Shrub
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage 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
CultivationBest grown as an annual climber, full sun and shelter from cold winds is essential in any moist but well-drained soil
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