Morning Glory 'Milky Way' - Ipomoea tricolor

40 seeds

Starry 'Milky Way' Blooms:

The flowers are a stunning mix of white and light blue with a star-like pattern in the center, resembling a piece of the night sky. These large, funnel-shaped flowers open early in the morning and remain open until the afternoon.

Fast-Growing Climber:

This morning glory is a vigorous climbing vine that can grow up to 10-12 feet in a single season, covering fences, trellises, or walls with its stunning blooms and lush green foliage. It’s perfect for creating vertical color in any space.

Pollinator-Friendly:

The bright, trumpet-shaped flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Low Maintenance:

This morning glory variety is easy to grow and care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

Light Requirements:

Morning Glory 'Milky Way' thrives in full sun. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its vibrant flowers. More sun exposure results in more abundant blooms and a stronger plant.

Watering:

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is important during dry spells, but allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. This plant is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but consistent moisture promotes better growth and more blooms.

Soil:

This morning glory prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. Loamy or sandy soils work best, but it can tolerate various soil types as long as drainage is good. For containers, use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage.

Fertilization:

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth. During the blooming season, you can switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus to promote more flowers. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Support:

As a climbing vine, it needs support to grow properly. Use a trellis, fence, or arbor to provide vertical space for the plant to climb. Morning Glory 'Milky Way' naturally twines around structures, so be sure to give it enough room to spread.

Pruning:

Deadheading spent flowers regularly will encourage new blooms and help maintain a neat appearance. While pruning is not necessary, you can also prune back any leggy or overgrown sections in mid-summer or after flowering to promote more compact growth and bushier plants.

Pests & Diseases:

Morning Glories are generally resistant to most pests, but can occasionally attract aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. If pests become a problem, treat with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

Companion Planting:

Combine Morning Glory 'Milky Way' with other climbing plants like sweet peas, honeysuckle, or clematis to create a layered, colorful display. The white and blue flowers of 'Milky Way' contrast beautifully with other vibrant, warm-colored blooms in the garden.

Containers and Hanging Baskets:

This morning glory can also be grown in large containers or hanging baskets, provided they have adequate drainage and a trellis for support. It’s an excellent choice for small patios, balconies, or even as a statement plant in a decorative pot.

Deadheading:

Removing faded blooms will promote continuous flowering, ensuring that your plant stays in bloom for as long as possible during the season.