Ipomoea purpurea

Ipomoea purpurea

Morning glory, Ipomoea, is a beautiful hardy annual climber native the rainforests of South America. Violet-purple, trumpet-shaped blooms contrast with rich green foliage in summer. Morning glory is easy to raise from seed and grows quickly, making it perfect for growing up obelisks, growing through shrubs and trees, and filling gaps while perennial climbers become established. The flowers open wide in the early morning sun but are short-lived and will not last into the afternoon.

Ipomoea purpurea bears a profusion of blue, red and violet-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers through summer until early autumn. Flowers have white throats and the twining stems are hairy. Though strictly a short-lived perennial, it's best grown as an annual. It's easy to grow and can be sown where it's to flower – ideally in moist but well-drained soil in full sun.