Ivyleaf Morning-Glory: A Fast-Growing Annual Vine with a Wandering Spirit
If you’re looking for a quick-climbing annual vine that can transform a bare fence into a leafy green wall in just one season, ivyleaf morning-glory (Ipomoea hederacea) might catch your eye. This fast-growing annual has become a familiar sight across much of North America, though it’s not actually native to our continent.
What is Ivyleaf Morning-Glory?
Ivyleaf morning-glory is an annual forb herb—essentially a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. True to its name, this vine produces distinctive heart-shaped leaves that somewhat resemble ivy, along with funnel-shaped flowers that typically bloom in shades of blue to purple, though you might occasionally spot white or pink varieties.
As a member of the morning-glory family, this plant opens its blooms in the early morning hours, greeting the day with a cheerful display of color before the flowers close during the heat of the afternoon.
Where Does It Come From and Where Does It Grow?
Originally hailing from tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas—including Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America—ivyleaf morning-glory has made itself quite at home across North America. This adaptable plant now grows throughout most of the United States and even parts of Canada.
You can find it thriving in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.
Should You Plant Ivyleaf Morning-Glory?
The decision to grow ivyleaf morning-glory comes with some considerations. On the plus side, it’s incredibly easy to grow and provides quick results for gardeners wanting fast seasonal coverage. However, since it’s not native to North America, it doesn’t provide the same level of ecological support as our indigenous plants.
The Good:
- Extremely fast-growing annual vine
- Attractive heart-shaped foliage
- Colorful morning blooms that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Perfect for temporary screening or quick coverage
- Self-sows readily for next year’s display
The Not-So-Good:
- Can become weedy and spread aggressively through self-seeding
- Provides limited wildlife value—only 2% to 5% of large animals’ and terrestrial birds’ diets
- Not native, so doesn’t support local ecosystems as effectively as indigenous plants
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow ivyleaf morning-glory, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. This adaptable vine typically prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, though it’s quite tolerant of various soil conditions.
The plant’s wetland status varies by region, but generally, it’s classified as facultative upland in most areas, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland conditions but can tolerate some moisture. In the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northcentral regions, it’s considered facultative, meaning it can handle both wet and dry conditions.
Planting and Care Tips:
- Start from seed in spring after the last frost date
- Provide a sturdy support structure like a trellis, fence, or arbor
- Water regularly during establishment, then moderately throughout the season
- Be prepared for enthusiastic self-seeding—remove seed pods if you want to control spread
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
USDA Hardiness Zones
As an annual, ivyleaf morning-glory can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2-11, but it will die with the first frost. In warmer climates, it may self-seed so prolifically that it appears perennial, but it’s actually just very good at starting new generations each year.
Native Alternatives to Consider
While ivyleaf morning-glory can be a useful garden plant, consider these native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – A native perennial with attractive foliage and pollinator-friendly flowers
- American groundnut (Apios americana) – A native climbing vine with fragrant flowers
- Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) – A native clematis with fluffy seed heads
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – For heart-shaped leaves in shade
The Bottom Line
Ivyleaf morning-glory is undeniably useful for quick seasonal coverage and easy-care gardening. While it won’t harm your garden, choosing native alternatives will better support local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. If you do decide to grow it, just be prepared for its enthusiastic self-seeding habits and consider removing seed pods to prevent unwanted spread.
Remember, the best garden is one that brings you joy while supporting the local ecosystem—so choose plants that align with both your aesthetic goals and environmental values.
