Ipomoea is a perennial or annual creeper that grows in the tropics and subtropics of North America, South Africa, India and Asia. Translated from the Greek language, the name of the plant means "like a worm", which is probably due to the ability of its roots to dig deep into the water in search of moisture and nutrients. In nature, there are about 4000 species of this amazing flower, in common with it is an ordinary field bindweed, with which summer residents fight with it.
It’s even difficult to count all the colorings of flowers that Ipomoea delights gardeners with.
A perennial liana blooms in July and fascinates with bright colors to the very frosts. Buds in diameter can reach 20 cm, and the stem itself grows up to 4 m. In order for the plant to take a vertical position, it is necessary to place a support about 2 m high nearby. From morning glory it turns out a very colorful
hedge. Depending on the variety, different colors of flowers are found: white, blue, red, pink, purple, there are two- and three-color specimens.
Ipomoea is a perennial liana, but in our area it is cultivated as an annual plant. She takes root well in heavy soils, but she does not like sand. The flowers decorate the verandas and balconies. In order for the plant to grow beautiful and please with a large number of buds, it is necessary to make top dressing on time. For this purpose, organics, potassium and ammonium nitrate, superphosphate are suitable. For the entire season, you need to fertilize the plant three times: for growth, for laying buds and maintaining flowering.
Depending on the variety, morning glory may be perennial or annual. The latter must be grown annually, it is propagated by seeds, which can be applied both in open ground in April and in boxes to get ready seedlings.
The root system is very delicate, so it is best to use
peat tablets, which are then simply transferred to a permanent place. Before sowing, the material must be scarified (soaked for a couple of hours in hot water).
Ipomoea perennial (the photo of this beauty cannot leave indifferent flower growers) for several years in a row is able to grow only in her homeland or in winter gardens, at room conditions, because she will not be able to survive our harsh winters. Many of these varieties are cultivated as annuals and sown annually. Perennial plants include the following varieties: "red-blue", "nile", "purple", "moonflower". The last liana in the tropics reaches a length of up to 30 m, the diameter of its flowers is 15 cm, they have a heady aroma.
Ipomoea indoor (photo plants attracts the attention of many gardeners) can grow on the windowsill for more than one year. Bindweed is a spectacular decoration of any room. Tuberous varieties are suitable for this, in their homeland they are used in cooking. Native Americans made salads from them. But not all types of morning glory are harmless, some of them are used for the manufacture of medicines (for example, laxative), and certain varieties were used at all in magic rituals, since they changed the mind of a person. Be that as it may, but most of these plants are poisonous, so you need to work very carefully with them and prevent their contact with children or animals.