Morning Glory: The Fast-Growing Climber That’s Either Your Garden’s Best Friend or Biggest Headache
If you’ve ever wondered about those cheerful trumpet-shaped flowers that seem to pop up everywhere from garden trellises to roadside ditches, you’ve likely encountered morning glory (Ipomoea). This fast-growing vine has quite the reputation – beloved by some gardeners for its quick coverage and stunning blooms, while others consider it a bit too enthusiastic for its own good.
What Exactly Is Morning Glory?
Morning glory belongs to the Ipomoea genus, a large family of flowering vines and herbs. These plants are forbs – essentially non-woody plants that can be either annual or perennial depending on the specific species and your climate. What makes them special is their vigorous growth habit and those iconic funnel-shaped flowers that typically open in the morning (hence the name) and close by afternoon.
Where You’ll Find Morning Glory
Morning glory has an impressively wide distribution across North America. You can find various Ipomoea species growing in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and various U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful
Morning glory brings some serious aesthetic appeal to any garden. The heart-shaped leaves create lush green coverage, while the trumpet flowers come in gorgeous shades of purple, blue, white, and pink. These vines are absolute speed demons – perfect if you need quick screening for an unsightly fence or want to cover a trellis fast.
Here’s what makes morning glory attractive to gardeners:
- Rapid growth provides quick coverage and privacy screening
- Beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in multiple colors
- Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Thrives in heat and tolerates various soil conditions
- Perfect for vertical gardening and small spaces
Wildlife Benefits (Or Lack Thereof)
While morning glory flowers do attract pollinators, the plant doesn’t offer much for local wildlife beyond that. According to research, small mammals and terrestrial birds use morning glory for only 2-5% of their diet and rarely use it for cover. So while it’s not harmful to wildlife, it’s not exactly a wildlife magnet either.
Growing Morning Glory Successfully
If you decide to grow morning glory, here’s how to do it right:
Growing Conditions
- Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Well-draining soil (they’re not picky about soil type)
- Moderate water – drought tolerant once established
- USDA hardiness zones vary by species (generally zones 3-11)
Planting Tips
- Direct sow seeds in spring after frost danger passes
- Scarify hard seed coats by nicking with a file or soaking overnight
- Provide climbing support like trellises, fences, or arbors
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Expect germination in 5-21 days
Care and Maintenance
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Monitor for aggressive self-seeding
- Cut back in fall or allow frost to kill annual varieties
A Word of Caution
Here’s where things get interesting – morning glory’s biggest strength is also its potential weakness. These vines grow fast and seed prolifically, which means they can sometimes spread beyond where you want them. While specific invasive status varies by region and species, it’s worth researching which Ipomoea species are appropriate for your area before planting.
Should You Plant Morning Glory?
Morning glory works wonderfully in cottage gardens, informal landscapes, and anywhere you need quick vertical coverage. They’re particularly great for renters or new gardeners who want fast results. However, if you’re focused on supporting native wildlife and ecosystems, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide better habitat and food sources.
Before planting, research the specific Ipomoea species available in your area and check with local extension services about which varieties are recommended versus those that might be problematic. When grown thoughtfully, morning glory can be a beautiful, fast-growing addition to your garden – just be prepared for its enthusiastic nature!
