Growing Morning Glory in pots is an absolute joy for gardeners who wish to adorn their patios, balconies, or even windowsills with a cascade of vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
As a climbing plant known for its trumpet-shaped flowers and vigorous growth habit, Morning Glory can bring a touch of the wild and wonderful to any urban space.
Whether you’re an apartment dweller with just a smidgen of outdoor space or a homeowner looking to add some pizzazz to your porch, Morning Glory is a superb choice for container gardening.
Does Morning Glory Grow Well in Pots?
The good news for enthusiasts of container gardening is that Morning Glory is remarkably adaptable to pot cultivation. Despite their fast-growing nature, which typically makes them favorites for garden beds and trellises, these plants can flourish in pots with the right care.
One key advantage of growing Morning Glories in pots is the control it provides over the growing conditions. You can manage soil quality, watering, and even relocate the pots to chase the sun, something you can’t do when they’re planted in the ground.
Moreover, growing Morning Glories in pots can help contain their spread. Known for their zealous self-seeding, these climbers can take over garden spaces if left unchecked.
Pots keep them in check, preventing them from becoming beautiful but unruly guests in your garden. Just ensure you provide a sturdy structure for them to climb on, as they will reach for the sky if given the chance.
Best Morning Glory Varieties for Pots
When choosing a Morning Glory variety for your container garden, it’s essential to consider the growth habit and space requirements. While almost any Morning Glory can be grown in a pot, some varieties are more suited to this lifestyle than others.
Compact varieties or those with particularly showy flowers can make an exceptional impact when their beauty is concentrated in a pot.
1. Heavenly Blue
‘Heavenly Blue’ is the quintessential Morning Glory, with ethereal azure blooms that can make any gardener’s heart skip a beat.
This variety is particularly well-suited for pots due to its vigorous climbing ability and the breathtaking canopy of flowers it creates. When given a trellis or support to climb, ‘Heavenly Blue’ will reward you with a vertical sea of blue that is nothing short of spectacular.
This variety also enjoys a long blooming season, which means you’ll have plenty of time to bask in its glory.
2. Moonflower
For those who enjoy evening gardening or simply love to lounge on the patio as dusk falls, the Moonflower variety of Morning Glory is a magical choice.
These night-blooming relatives unfurl their large, white flowers at night, releasing a sweet fragrance that can turn any evening into a special occasion.
When grown in a pot, Moonflowers can create a stunning night-time feature, and they’re perfect for those with limited space, as their display doesn’t require daylight to be appreciated.
3. Scarlet O’Hara
If you’re looking for a splash of bold color, ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ with its vivid red blooms is your go-to Morning Glory. This variety packs a visual punch and can brighten up any space with its cheerful flowers.
Scarlet O’Hara’s blossoms stand out against its heart-shaped leaves, offering a striking contrast that can liven up any dull corner of your balcony or patio. It’s a resilient climber that will eagerly wind its way up any support, making it a perfect pot companion.
How to Grow and Care For Morning Glory in Pots
Growing Morning Glory in pots can bring a delightful display of twining vines and trumpet-shaped flowers to your space. The process is straightforward but does require attention to detail to ensure your plants thrive.
Let’s explore the best practices for planting and care.
Planting
To start your Morning Glory journey, consider beginning with seeds directly sowed into your pots. They have a hard seed coat, so it’s wise to nick the coat with a file and soak the seeds overnight in water to enhance germination.
Plant them about ¼ inch deep in moist soil and expect sprouts in about 5 to 14 days. If you prefer, you can purchase seedlings from your local nursery for a head start.
Pot Size
Morning Glories have long roots, so choose a deep pot—at least 10 inches deep and wide—to accommodate their growth.
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A larger pot will also provide stability as your Morning Glory climbs and becomes top-heavy with lush foliage.
Light
These enthusiastic climbers are sun worshippers and require full sun to bloom prolifically. Position your pots where they’ll receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
If you live in a particularly hot climate, a spot with afternoon shade will help protect the plants from scorching.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for Morning Glory plants. A mix of potting soil with perlite or sand can improve drainage.
Avoid soil that is too rich, as this can promote foliage at the expense of flowers. The ideal pH for Morning Glories is between 6.0 and 6.8.
Water
Morning Glories like to have consistent moisture, but they don’t like to sit in water. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot while underwatering can stress the plant and lead to fewer blooms.
Temperature and Humidity
Morning Glory plants are quite adaptable but prefer the warmth. They thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. While they can handle humidity well, it’s crucial to ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in more humid climates.
Fertilizer
Be cautious with fertilization. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the early stages of growth can help your Morning Glory get a good start. However, too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage with few blooms. If you do choose to fertilize, do so sparingly and choose a phosphorus-rich formula to encourage blooming.
Pruning Potted Morning Glory
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Morning Glories, especially when they’re grown in pots. These plants can grow quite vigorously, and without regular pruning, they can become tangled and unruly. Pruning also encourages more blooms and a fuller plant.
Start by removing any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health. You can pinch back the tips of the vines to promote branching, which will give you a denser, bushier plant. This is best done early in the season.
As the plant grows, you may need to guide the vines to climb the support you’ve provided, such as a trellis or stakes. Secure the vines loosely with soft ties if they need help attaching.
Regularly check for and remove any seed pods that form if you wish to control self-seeding, as Morning Glories can become invasive if left unchecked.
After the blooming season, you can cut back the plant significantly to keep it tidy and manageable for the next season.
Overwintering
Morning Glory plants are typically treated as annuals, but with a little effort, you can overwinter them to enjoy their beauty year after year. If you live in a climate with mild winters, your Morning Glory may survive outdoors with some protection, such as mulch to insulate the roots.
In colder climates, the best approach is to bring your pots indoors before the first frost. Place them in a cool, bright room, and reduce watering significantly, but don’t let the roots completely dry out. The plant will likely go dormant and lose leaves, which is normal.
If you have a heated greenhouse or a suitable indoor setup, you can keep the plants growing all year. Be sure to provide ample light—grow lights can help during the shorter days—and maintain a temperature above 50°F.
Come spring, gradually reintroduce your Morning Glory to the outdoors to acclimate it to the changing conditions before moving it back to its summer spot.
By pruning and overwintering your potted Morning Glory correctly, you’ll be able to enjoy these enchanting climbers throughout the growing season and for years to come.