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Moonflower, Ipomoea Alba or Calonyction acumeatum, as it is botanically known, is a perennial vine in warm, tropical areas. In other more temperate and cooler areas it is grown as an annual. This relation of the Morning Glory grows so quickly and profusely (up to thirty feet within a season) that it is well worth planting year after year. It can self-sow if the seeds are left in place. I prefer to collect the seeds instead of having them blown by the whim of the wind and Mother Nature. I like to have a better control of where my Moonflower vines grow but that’s entirely up to the individual.
The moonflower gets it’s common name from its large, white, fragrant flowers which tend to bloom at dusk and into the night, perfect for “Moon” or “Midnight” gardens. It also is seen opening its pretty blossoms on dull, dark, stormy days. The flowers are said to be six inched across though I have seen them get to a whopping eight inches wide. It also has large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves up to 8 inches long which grow close to the twining stems. Though they are said to only come in white with pale green streaks, there are a few pale lavender or pink varieties though not readily available. For good variety of seeds Seymore Select Seeds mail order catalogue is the best option.
Like its cousin the Morning Glory the seeds of the Moonflower have a hard seed coat which needs penetration in order to germinate. To readily do this place the seeds in warm water and allow to soak overnight. By morning they will be ready to be planted in their summer home. They don’t take well to transplanting so plant them where you will have them. They tend to climb in a counter-clockwise direction sending out tendril any-which-way grasping anything to climb further on. If it finds nothing else to grab it will readily use nearby tree branches, shrubs, posts and clothes lines. There’s nothing stopping it once its established.
This plant makes a beautiful display and can quickly cover a trellis, fence or arbor. It can provide shading, provide cover from unsightly views of your neighbor’s rusty car and draws night-flying insects into your yard. I recommend growing the Moonflower intertwined with “Scarlet O’Hara” or “Heavenly Blue” Morning Glory for a stunning effect. At daybreak the Morning Glories bloom and just as they close the Moonflowers open. What could be more grand?
Moonflower is not at all fussy. It will grow in any soil though like with most plants the better the soil the more vigorous the growth and the more blooming. Regular watering and feeding is fine and it likes being in full sun. Summer heat is necessary for optimal blooming so if you live where summers are cool you might not get the profusion of flowers it is known for. In my opinion you couldn’t find another vine to do so much for so little trouble. Run out and grab some seeds. You won’t regret it.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For more garden talk, funny short stories and romantic novel excerpts visit http://www.helium.com/users/32782
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