Many Oriental plants are favorites in American gardens, but one more should be added. It is the exquisite Japanese Imperial Morning Glory, Ipomoea Nil.
This regal morning glory is no ordinary morning glory. It resembles our Heavenly Blue in shape, of course, but has marvelous size— flowers are often 6” to 8” inches in diameter.
It is dressed in all the colors of a fine kimono, and its texture is the softest silk.
Varieties and Colors
There are varieties in silvery gray, brilliant carmine, yellow, pale lavender, pure white, purple, and brown, with dainty white markings and fluted edges.
The names are enchanting:
- Heian No Yume
- Matzukaze
- Tama Fuyo
- Akatsuki No Keisei
The foliage is often lightly variegated.
Discovering and Obtaining The Seeds
I first saw this exciting plant growing in a private garden in Tokyo. The enormous flowers were an unusual shade of old rose generously ruffled with white. Seeds were promised and arrived in due time.
Meanwhile, I discovered a few domestic companies (Geo. W. Park Co., Greenwood, S. C.; Harry E. Saier, Dimondale, Mich.) specializing in rare seeds offered named varieties, and I ordered several.
All have grown with success. Japanese morning glory was introduced into this country in 1895 but has not grown nearly as much as it should have.
It is tropical in origin, and Buddhist priests are believed to have introduced it into Japan from China centuries ago. (Editors’ Note: Further information on the geographical origin of Japanese morning glories is given near the end of the article by Dr. Hui-Lin Li, on page 42.)
This glorious morning glory is an amenable garden subject, for the vine doesn’t run all over the lot as does our vigorous Heavenly Blue.
Indeed, growth is rather delicate. But since the vine begins to bloom when it is only a foot high, there is a quick reward after planting.
Controlling Growth and Flowering
Growth is controllable by pinching, and the Japanese often grow the morning glory in a 6- or 8-inch pot, twining it around wire rings and pinching the top to keep it low and bushy.
If it isn’t pinched, the vine will go straight up its support, winding clockwise, producing a continuous chain of blooms as it goes, at the rate of two or three flowers per day.
Support Structures For The Vine
Support is essential. It can be any size, from a bamboo tomato stake to an iron carport post. An artistic piece of driftwood is useful. A wire fence is fine; so is the pedestal of a birdbath, and shade from the basin is welcomed.
For a floral tapestry, several vines can be planted along a fence or wrought iron railing or at the base of a small tree with a narrow trunk and high branches (such as a mimosa).
Perennial and Annual Status of Morning Glory
Although listed horticulturally as perennial, this morning glory has performed as an annual here in Florida, and seeds are gathered for the next season’s crop.
So far, none have come back from the roots the second summer.
Starting Seeds and Germination Process
Seeds are soaked overnight in a saucer of tepid water, then planted in pots or flats in a mixture of good loam and sand. Peat moss pots are the best of all.
Kept damp, the seeds germinate in three or four days, and the plant can be set out in the garden as soon as the second pair of leaves forms.
There’s no use planting this Oriental morning glory outdoors until warm weather is continuous. It only begins to grow when temperatures are thoroughly warm. However, seedlings may be started in the greenhouse earlier.
We plant them out in May in upper Florida, and I should think planting could be done through June in the North with ample time following for a full crop of flowers. This species is said to come into bloom quicker than the familiar morning glories.
Ideal Growing Condition
A position of filtered sunlight seems preferable here in Florida as the Japanese Imperial Morning Glory doesn’t need as much sun as its domesticated cousin.
It is most important that there be protection from wind, for the fragile blossoms are easily torn by anything more than a gentle breeze.
Soil Requirement and Pot Culture
The soil must be light and well-drained. In areas with clay soil, it would be best to use pot culture entirely so the soil can be specially mixed.
Flower Behavior in Different Weather Conditions
On cloudy days, the flowers stay open all day, but they begin to droop when the direct sun hits them or during the heat of midday. Hummingbirds love their tubular cups.
Japanese Traditions With Morning Glories
I was told that the Japanese have, for centuries, held sunrise parties to view the morning glories as they open. I am content to enjoy them with my morning coffee on the patio.
Each first bloom brings a color surprise, for considerable variation exists within a packet of seeds, even of a named variety.
Blooming plants are decorative on a porch or terrace that is used by the family during the first half of the day. They generally continue to grow and bloom with much less light than other morning glories.
Fertilizing and Care Tips For The Vine
Little fertilizer is necessary during growth. I include some rotted cow manure when planting and thereafter give sparingly of whatever formula is in the hose bottle for other plants.
My best vines grow in the salt house under a plastic screen (52% shade) and thrive on whatever liquid fertilizer drains off the orchids around them.
44659 by Mary Noble