About Morning Glory
A vigorous twining vine with heart-shaped leaves and spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers in vivid shades of purple, blue, pink, and white that unfurl each morning and close by afternoon — a daily botanical show. This is the ornamental Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea), entirely different from the edible kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica). It's a fast-growing annual vine perfect for covering fences, trellises, and walls with a cascade of colorful blooms. Morning Glory belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and originates from Mexico and Central America; naturalized worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions including the Philippines..
Morning Glory is popular along fences and gates in Philippine homes, particularly in provincial areas. Do not confuse this ornamental species (Ipomoea purpurea) with kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica), which is an edible water spinach — they are different species in the same family. Seeds are available at garden supply stores like Ace Hardware, True Value, and online on Shopee and Lazada. Filipino gardeners love how quickly it covers an unsightly fence or wall with color. Be aware it can self-seed aggressively in Philippine conditions.
Also known as: Purple Morning Glory.
Popular Varieties
- Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott' (deep purple with red star center)
- Ipomoea purpurea 'Heavenly Blue' (sky blue — classic variety)
- Ipomoea nil 'Scarlett O'Hara' (crimson red)
- Ipomoea tricolor 'Pearly Gates' (pure white)
How to Plant Morning Glory in the Philippines
Morning Glory can be propagated through seeds. The recommended method is direct sowing from seeds (nick or soak seeds overnight for faster germination).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Nick the hard seed coat with a nail file or soak seeds in warm water overnight to speed germination.
- Step 2: Sow seeds 1 cm deep in moist, well-draining soil — directly in the garden is best, as they dislike transplanting.
- Step 3: Space seeds 15-20 cm apart along a trellis or fence.
- Step 4: Water gently and keep moist. Seeds germinate in 5-10 days.
- Step 5: Provide vertical support immediately — vines grow fast and need something to twine around.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours direct — flowers won't open properly in shade). Position your morning glory where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Regular watering during dry season, every 2-3 days. Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but bloom best with consistent moisture. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (loves Philippine heat — blooms prolifically in warm weather). Moderate to high — Philippine humidity suits it fine The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing morning glory outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Low-nitrogen fertilizer or phosphorus-rich feed (5-10-10) every 3-4 weeks. Too much nitrogen produces all leaves and few flowers.
Pruning
Trim wayward vines to keep within bounds. Deadhead spent flowers (though they drop naturally). Can become invasive — monitor spread via self-seeding.
Toxicity & Safety
Seeds contain LSA (lysergic acid amide) and are toxic if ingested in quantity. Foliage is mildly toxic. Keep seeds away from children.
Common Problems & Solutions
All leaves, no flowers
Cause: Too much nitrogen fertilizer or rich soil
Solution: Stop nitrogen feeding. Morning glories actually bloom best in lean, average soil — don't pamper them.
Flowers closing by midday
Cause: This is normal behavior — each flower lasts only one morning
Solution: Not a problem — new flowers open every morning. Enjoy the daily show! Heavy-flowering varieties produce dozens of blooms at a time.
Leaves eaten with holes
Cause: Leaf miners or caterpillars
Solution: Hand-pick caterpillars in the morning. Spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for persistent caterpillar problems. Neem oil for leaf miners.
Aggressive self-seeding / spreading
Cause: Prolific seed production — each flower produces seeds
Solution: Remove seed pods before they mature if you want to control spread. In some areas, morning glory can become invasive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Morning Glory in the Philippines?
Morning Glory needs full sun (6-8 hours direct — flowers won't open properly in shade). Water regular watering during dry season, every 2-3 days. established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but bloom best with consistent moisture.. Feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer or phosphorus-rich feed (5-10-10) every 3-4 weeks. too much nitrogen produces all leaves and few flowers.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (loves Philippine heat — blooms prolifically in warm weather) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Morning Glory?
The recommended method is direct sowing from seeds (nick or soak seeds overnight for faster germination). Nick the hard seed coat with a nail file or soak seeds in warm water overnight to speed germination. Sow seeds 1 cm deep in moist, well-draining soil — directly in the garden is best, as they dislike transplanting.
Is Morning Glory toxic to pets or children?
Seeds contain LSA (lysergic acid amide) and are toxic if ingested in quantity. Foliage is mildly toxic. Keep seeds away from children.
Can Morning Glory grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Morning Glory grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Morning Glory?
Common issues include: All leaves, no flowers (caused by too much nitrogen fertilizer or rich soil — stop nitrogen feeding. morning glories actually bloom best in lean, average soil — don't pamper them); Flowers closing by midday (caused by this is normal behavior — each flower lasts only one morning — not a problem — new flowers open every morning. enjoy the daily show! heavy-flowering varieties produce dozens of blooms at a time); Leaves eaten with holes (caused by leaf miners or caterpillars — hand-pick caterpillars in the morning. spray with bt (bacillus thuringiensis) for persistent caterpillar problems. neem oil for leaf miners).
Growing morning glory in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!