In natural conditions, morning glory is found in tropical countries, on the territory of Russia in the river basin of the Far East and Eastern Siberia only the species of Siberian morning glory grows. The plant belongs to the family of bindweed, the number of which is more than 500 species.
Of cultivated varieties, Ipomoea red quamoclite is widespread. This curly vine brought from tropical America has delicate dark green leaves and bright elegant flowers. The plant grows very quickly and can reach 2.5 meters in length during the growing season. On the stem are numerous star-shaped flowers about 2 cm in diameter. Most often, the color of the corollas is carmine-red, but there are variants with pink and white flowers that bloom in August and last until late autumn.
In Russia, Ipomoea purpurea, which is also a native of the American subtropics, has taken root perfectly. This is a perennial vine with a low stem with strong branching, reaching eight meters in length, cultivated as an annual.
The leaves of the bindweed are three-lobed, heart-shaped, located on long petioles and slightly lowered. Large flowers of 5-7 centimeters in diameter are collected several buds on long pedicels, which grow from the leaf sinuses, and have a bell-shaped, funnel shape. Inflorescences are colored in pink, red, purple, dark lilac right down to blue. The inside of the corolla is always white. On a clear day, the flowers open early and close at noon, on a cloudy day - the buds are open for a longer time. Morning glory blooms from June until the first frost. Fruits are formed in the form of rounded capsules, in which there are up to 4 large seeds.
Ipomoea kvamoklit requires special conditions of detention. In the summer, positive temperatures above 20 degrees should be observed. The plant needs sunlight, shading is necessary at lunchtime, otherwise burns will form on the leaves. With a lack of lighting, the leaves can acquire a light green hue.
The plant needs moderate watering, the soil in the upper layers must have time to dry out. In winter, hydration is limited, and depending on the temperature they are produced 1-2 times a month.
Ipomoea kvamoklit propagated by seed or tuber division. Seeds must be soaked before sowing in a light mixture of river sand and peat before sowing. Germination occurs at 18-20 C.
The plant is favorably affected by regular spraying of foliage. If the tips of the leaves dry, this is the result of excessive air dryness, especially in the hot summer season. It is necessary to spray 2 times a day.
The transplant is performed annually in February and March. Ipomoea kvamoklit prefers moisture-permeable, loose, breathing soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. It is not recommended to add sphagnum moss to the soil, it will make the substrate acidic. The soil should contain the following composition: coconut fiber, leaf humus, peat, vermiculite, fine expanded clay, pieces of charcoal (2: 4: 2: 2: 1: 1). Good high drainage is required, which is laid on the bottom of the pot.
They begin to feed the plant in March, and do this every 2-3 weeks, until August. As additives, fertilizers are used for cacti or ornamental plants with a low nitrogen content, which do not deoxidize the soil.
For the development of morning glory, you will need a support in the form of a vertically stretched wire, fishing line or net, along which the stems will curl.
Thanks to bright star colors, Ipomoea kvamoklit will not only become a home decoration, but will also look great as a decoration for a gazebo or hedge, along trellises and decorative walls.