Tropical night bloomer with large white funnel-shaped flowers - the fragrant climbing plant for warm summer evenings.
The Moonflower (Ipomoea alba), also known as moon vine, is one of the most impressive night-blooming plants for the summer garden. Its large, white, funnel-shaped flowers open at dusk, glow in the fading light and release a sweet fragrance that is especially noticeable on warm summer evenings. As a fast-growing climbing plant, it quickly covers trellises, fences, balcony railings and pergolas, bringing an almost tropical atmosphere to the garden.
Origin, growth and flowers of the Moonflower
Botanically, the Moonflower belongs to the morning glories within the bindweed family. Its original home lies in the tropical to subtropical New World, from Mexico through the Caribbean to South America. In warm regions, Ipomoea alba can grow as a perennial, while in Central Europe it is usually cultivated as an annual summer plant because it is sensitive to frost.
The plant grows herbaceously, twining and very vigorously. With a suitable climbing support, it often reaches several metres in height in a single season. The large, heart-shaped leaves form a dense, fresh green backdrop for the striking flowers. These appear white to slightly greenish marked, are funnel-shaped and can reach a diameter of around 10 to 15 cm.
Its rhythm is particularly fascinating: while many garden flowers close in the evening, the Moonflower only then begins its display. Its pale flowers and intense fragrance are adapted to moths as pollinators. This makes it not only a decorative climbing plant, but also an intriguing species for natural gardens where life can be observed not only during the day.
Historically, Ipomoea alba was botanically described as early as the 18th century. In trade, the species is still found today under various names, including Moonflower, moon vine or older botanical names such as Calonyction album. The botanical name helps distinguish it clearly from other morning glories.
Use in the garden
Moonflower seeds are especially suitable for anyone looking for a fast-climbing, fragrant and visually striking summer plant. On pergolas, trellises, fences or balcony railings, the plant creates decorative greenery within just a few weeks. Planting it near seating areas, terraces or paths is particularly appealing, as this is where the opening of the flowers and their evening fragrance can be best enjoyed.
Sowing & care of Moonflower
Moonflower is best sown indoors from March to May. Direct sowing outdoors is possible from mid-May after the last frosts, but is only reliable in warm, sheltered locations. As the seeds have a hard coat, it is advisable to soak them in lukewarm water for around 24 hours before sowing. They are then placed about 1 cm deep in seed compost and covered well with soil, as moonflowers are treated as seeds that germinate best in darkness. With even moisture and a warm germination temperature, the seeds usually germinate within 5 to 20 days.
After being raised indoors, the young plants should only be planted outdoors after the last late frosts. The location should be sunny, warm and sheltered from wind, with humus-rich, well-drained soil and a sturdy climbing support. During the growing season, Moonflower needs an even water supply, but should not remain permanently wet. In cool, windy or very short-summer locations, growing it in a container in a sheltered spot is often particularly useful.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Ipomea alba, Calonyction album, |
| German names: |
Mondwinde, Mondblume, weiße Prunkwinde |
| French names: |
Belle de nuit blanche, ipomée blanche, fleur de lune |
| English names: |
Moonflower, Moon Vine, Tropical White Morning Glory |
| Spanish names: |
flor de luna, dama de noche, ipomea blanca |
| Italian names: |
fiore di luna, ipomea bianca |
| Dutch names: |
maanbloem, witte pronkwinde |
