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| Category: Vine |
| Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glories) |
| Origin: Pantropical |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Blue |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Ipomoea acuminata, Pharbitis cathartica]
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| Height: Climbing (Vine) |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Ipomoea indica (Blue Dawn Flower) - This is a tropical evergreen vine with lush velvety lobed leaves that can quickly cover a large area with stems rooting as they touch the ground. In the late spring to fall, the three inch wide flowers open to a vibrant blue purple in the morning and lighten through the day to a violet blue and then a dark pink. Plant in full sun with little fertilization and occasional irrigation. Leaves are hardy to 20-25F but the plant can rebound after colder temperatures knock it down and reportedly can be planted into USDA Zone 8. This beautiful vine can cover a chain link fence, telephone pole or a building with trailing stems rooting along the way so great care should be used when deciding to use this plant - not for the timid!. This plant grows naturally in South America, from Argentina and Brazil north to Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It was the winner of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993 but it has also been declared a noxious weed in many parts of the world. The generic name is derived from the Greek words 'ipos' meaning "worm" and 'homoios' meaning "to resemble" in reference to this vines twining habit. The specific epithet means of India or, as in this case, from the Indies (West Indies). The common name Blue Dawn Flower is descriptive as flowers open in the morning and for this reason it is also commonly called the morning glory vine. We previously grew this plant using the name Ipomoea acuminata and it is also sometimes sold as Pharbitis cathartica.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Ipomoea indica.
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