Ipomoea alba (Moonflower)

A fascinating and sweetly-scented 'Belle de Nuit', Ipomoea alba (Moonflower) earns its name from its pure white flowers which open in the evening and close when touched by the morning sun. At dusk, the densely packed buds pop open, and the flower petals unfold within a few minutes. They reveal a pale green star extending from the throat and send their very sweet fragrance into the night air. At dawn, the large, flat flowers, 3-6 in. across (8-15 cm), close by rolling up. Ipomoea alba is also noted for its long twining stems luxuriantly clothed in large, heart-shaped, deep green leaves which provide a dense leafy cover. Tender, Ipomoea alba is a perennial vine in warm areas but grown as an annual elsewhere. Prized for its quick-growing climbing habit, this 'Belle de Nuit' is perfect to hide an unforgiving fence, climb a wall or scramble through arbors and trellises.

• Moonflowers produce new flowers daily and bloom continuously from midsummer to fall.
• Fast-growing, this perennial vine will twine its soft stems up to 10-15 ft. tall in one season (300-450 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm). Self-seeds easily without being invasive
• Thrives in full sun in average, evenly moist, well-drained soils. 
• Deer resistant.
• Moonflower requires support on which to climb such as pergolas, walls, or fences. Great in containers, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover too! Perfect in cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
• Propagate by seed: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost, or outdoors after frost danger has passed. Before planting, nick the hard-coated seeds with a file or soak them overnight in warm water.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Native to tropical America
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.