Ipomoea indica aka Blue Dawnflower

Taxonomy

Ipomoea indica, also known as blue morning glory, oceanblue morning glory, koali awa, and blue dawn flower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. It is a vigorous twining evergreen perennial that can reach heights of 6m or more. The plant features heart-shaped or 3-lobed leaves and produces wide-funnel-shaped flowers that are purple or blue in color and measure 6-8 cm in diameter. These flowers, which are hermaphroditic, bloom from spring to autumn and have earned the plant the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. While Ipomoea indica is grown as an ornamental for its attractive flowers, it is considered invasive in many regions and is listed on New Zealand's Biosecurity Act 1993. This tropical vine spreads quickly, with its stems rooting as they touch the ground. The leaves are lush and velvety, providing a dense cover. In terms of flowering, the plant's three-inch wide flowers open in the morning with a vibrant blue-purple hue and gradually lighten throughout the day to a violet blue and then a dark pink. Ipomoea indica thrives in full sun and requires little fertilization and occasional irrigation.

Common names

Blue Dawnflower, Common Morning Glory, Morning Glory

How to care for Blue Dawnflower

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Blue Dawnflower is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Blue Dawnflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Blue Dawnflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Blue Dawnflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Morning Glory.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Blue Dawnflower does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Region of origin

Blue Dawnflower’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia