Morning Glories and Moonflowers are two popular vine plants that are commonly found in Texas gardens. While they are closely related, there are several key differences between these two plants.
1. Appearance: Morning Glories (Ipomoea purpurea) come in a variety of colors, including shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They have a trumpet-like shape with five petals and a distinct white or yellow throat. Moonflowers (Ipomoea alba), on the other hand, come only in white. Their flowers are larger and have a more elongated shape compared to Morning Glories.
2. Blooming Time: Morning Glories typically bloom during the day and close up in the afternoon or evening. They are known for their vibrant and showy blooms that add a splash of color to the garden. Moonflowers, as their name suggests, bloom at night and remain open until the morning. Their white flowers emit a delicate fragrance that is particularly alluring in the evening.
3. Pollination: Morning Glories are primarily pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are active during the day. Their brightly colored flowers attract these pollinators, who help transfer pollen from one flower to another. Moonflowers, on the other hand, rely on night-flying moths for pollination. The scent of their flowers acts as a lure, guiding moths towards them and facilitating the pollination process.
4. Growing Habit: Morning Glories are known for their vigorous growth and can quickly cover fences, trellises, and other structures with their twining vines. They can grow up to 10-15 feet in height and require regular pruning to keep them in check. Moonflowers have a similar growth habit and can also reach impressive heights. However, they tend to grow at a slower pace compared to Morning Glories.
5. Time of Planting: Morning Glories are typically grown as annuals and are sown from seeds in the spring after the last frost. They prefer warm temperatures and thrive in full sun. Moonflowers, on the other hand, are tender perennials that are often grown as annuals in colder climates. They can be started from seeds indoors before the last frost or directly sown in the garden once the soil has warmed up.
6. Toxicity: It is important to note that both Morning Glories and Moonflowers are considered toxic if ingested. The seeds and other parts of the plants contain alkaloids that can cause illness if consumed. It is advisable to keep these plants away from children and pets and to handle them with care.
While Morning Glories and Moonflowers are related and share some similarities in their growth habit, they differ in their appearance, blooming time, pollination methods, and time of planting. Both plants can add beauty and charm to a garden, but it is important to consider their specific characteristics and requirements when choosing which one to grow.
