It’s taken a long time for our moonflower vine (Ipomoea alba) to finally become mature enough to produce a flower. I planted two moonflower vines from seed at the base of the arbor I built for Better Homes and Gardens soon after its construction. The first couple weeks of their life was difficult due to the rabbits and their taste testing parties in the garden (and they didn’t even invite me!). Eventually one moonflower emerged victorious as the rabbits turned their attention toward greener pastures and the clover it contained.
The moonflower utilized the last couple weeks to twine itself up the arbor at a very rapid pace. Each day seems to bring several more inches of growth. I was beginning to get concerned that the flowers might never come but buds are all over the vine and the first flower has finally emerged.
Moonflowers have the same heart shaped leaves that morning glories do which isn’t a surprise since they are so closely related. Unlike morning glories, which unveil themselves in the morning for pollination, moonflowers emerge at night for moths to pollinate.
) as a comparison. The bloom is at least 6 inches wide. Very cool!
Edit for addition photo:
Now there are three blooms! (9-12-09)
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I saw these downtown on a fence in front of a restaraunt. Beautiful…Can't wait for your moonshot.
Dear Dave
I have tried for two years to bring forth a Moonflower from seeds .. I have had no luck and I'm thinking I must have a moonflower "curse" attached to me some how .. I have never had a plant fail so completely like this .. I will have to settle myself to just enjoying yours over that beautiful arbor .. take lots of pictures please !!
Joy : )
Love the Moon flower on the new arbor. It does look very good with the dark potato vine.
I had the Moon flower once & it did bloom but not big blooms. I had it on the East side of my house so maybe it was in the wrong place. Will have to try it again.
The Moon Flower is great on your arbor!
Have you thought about growing the white Confederate Jasmine as an evergreen, fragrant vine and letting moon flowers grow on top of it in summer? I have hyacinth bean growing over my jasmines (all of them) right now.
Cameron
Wow Dave, that has really filled in nicely! I love the moon flower and am anxious to see how well it does next year!
Beautiful moonflower — and I'm glad to meet another D40 user. Yay, team!
Those flowers are just magnificent! Thanks so much for sharing.