Ipomoea alba (Moonflower)
Overview
Uses: Cottage gardens, trellises, fences, moon gardens, and containers.
Benefits: Produces large, fragrant white blooms that open at dusk and glow under moonlight. Fast-growing, easy to maintain, and perfect for adding romantic nighttime beauty to outdoor spaces.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 – 12 (grown as an annual in colder zones)
Life Cycle: Tender perennial (commonly grown as a warm-season annual)
Sun: Full Sun
Mature Height: 8' – 15'
Mature Width: 2' – 3'
Bloom Season: Summer through Fall
Growth Rate: Fast
Summary
Ipomoea alba, commonly known as Moonflower, is a tropical vine admired for its enormous white blooms that unfurl at night and release a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Each flower can measure up to 6 inches across, creating a luminous display that glows in the moonlight and attracts nighttime pollinators like moths.
This fast-growing climber thrives in warm weather and is ideal for training on fences, pergolas, or trellises. Moonflower pairs beautifully with morning glories, offering blooms that open as the day ends—creating a seamless transition from day to night in the garden.
Perfect for evening enjoyment, patios, and moon gardens, this classic heirloom vine transforms summer nights into something truly magical.
Care
Moonflower Vine Care
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors once soil temperatures are above 60°F. Nick or soak seeds for 24 hours before planting to speed germination.
Plant in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Provide sturdy support such as a trellis or fence, as Moonflower vines can grow rapidly and twine aggressively.
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced slow release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and continuous flowering.
Prune lightly to manage size or rejuvenate growth midseason. Moonflowers bloom best when given plenty of heat and sunlight.
Size
Size of Moonflower for Sale Online
Our Moonflower plants are greenhouse-grown and shipped healthy, ready to climb and bloom in your garden. Each plant will arrive in an appropriately sized grow pot. For current sizing and availability, please contact us.
Size of Moonflower When Fully Grown
Expect mature vines to reach between 8 and 15 feet long and 2–3 feet wide when grown in ideal conditions with proper support.
Additional Information
Is Moonflower a perennial or an annual?
Moonflower is a tender perennial in tropical climates (Zones 10–12) but is grown as a warm-season annual in most of the U.S.
Does Moonflower attract pollinators?
Yes! Its fragrant night-blooming flowers attract moths and other nocturnal pollinators, making it an enchanting addition to evening gardens.
Can Moonflower be grown in containers?
Absolutely. Moonflower vines do beautifully in large containers when provided with a trellis or vertical support for climbing.
When does Moonflower bloom?
Moonflowers bloom from midsummer through fall, opening at dusk and closing with the morning sun. Flowers are most fragrant during warm, humid evenings.
