Ipomoea indica aka Blue Dawnflower

Ipomoea indica, or blue dawn flower, is a perennial climbing vine. It belongs to the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. It now grows across tropical regions worldwide. Wild plants grow in thickets, waste ground, and along forest edges. They also grow on some sandy shores. The plant favours moist sites with soil rich in nutrients.

This evergreen vine climbs by twining its slender stems. Stems also trail across the ground and root at nodes. Garden plants reach about 13–26 feet [4–8 metres] tall. Another source gives a height of 33 feet [10 metres]. The usual garden spread is 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants can reach full size within two to five years. Heat and ample water help them grow fast. Leaves have a heart shape or three lobes. Their surface can feel soft and velvety.

The flowers form broad funnels about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] across. They open blue or purple-blue, with purple in the throat. Their colour shifts toward red-violet or pink as they age. Flowering runs from late spring into autumn under suitable conditions. A mature plant may open hundreds of flowers each day. Fallen blooms can leave a messy layer beneath the vine. Insects pollinate the flowers, and butterflies visit the plant.

Grow it in sun with shelter from harsh conditions. Under glass, give strong light but shade from hot sun. Use peat-free, loam-based compost that drains well. Keep it moist during active growth, with much less winter water. Feed every two or three weeks while it grows. RHS rates it H1C; Chicago lists USDA zones 9–11. In Britain, containers can stand outdoors during summer. The vine suits patios, courtyards, and informal gardens. Its long flower season gives it value as an ornamental climber.

Its spread can cause serious problems outside cultivation. In parts of Australia, it is a noxious weed. It can blanket the ground and smother shrubs and small trees. Red spider mites and whiteflies may attack plants under glass. Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew, and virus diseases may also occur. No edible uses are recorded in Useful Tropical Plants. Eating the plant can harm both people and pets. Seeds can cause nausea, restlessness, and changes in vision. Traditional uses include leaf sap for sores and dysentery. These reports do not establish safe treatment. People also use the leaves to wash clothes.