Beach morning-glory (Ipomoea imperati) is a species of plant that scatters its seeds in seawater. The seedpod is buoyant and so can be carried away to populate new areas. This is why it’s been found on beaches on every single continent except for frigid Antarctica. Its flowers blossom in the morning and close their petals when afternoon rolls around, giving rise to its common name.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Ipomoea imperati, the beach morning-glory (a name it shares with Ipomoea pes-caprae), is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. Like Ipomoea pes-caprae, its seeds disperse by floating in seawater. It has been found on the sandy shores of every continent except Antarctica.
Ipomoea imperati (Beach Morning Glory) is a scrambling, creeping, evergreen vine with showy white flowers that open in the morning and begin to close up by afternoon. Blooming from summer to fall, the flowers are large, 2 in. across (5 cm), and funnel-shaped with fused white petals and yellow centers.
Attractive to hummingbirds, they give way to dry, dehiscent capsules containing seeds that are important forage for several types of wildlife, including endangered beach mice. The smooth trailing stems are covered with small, alternately arranged, elliptical, fleshy, dark green leaves with a notched apex. Forming roots at the nodes, they provide a dense leafy cover.
It is considered an invasive species in some places.
II. How to Grow and Care
Beach morning-glory thrives in sandy, well-draining soils and requires full sun exposure to flourish. Special care should be given to avoid overwatering, as beach morning-glory is adapted to drier conditions and can be prone to root rot. Fertilization needs are minimal, making beach morning-glory an undemanding choice for gardeners.
Sunlight
Beach morning-glory thrives in full sun environments, which bolsters its growth and flower development. Exposure to intense sunlight for several hours daily is optimal. While it is tolerant of various light levels due to its adaptive nature, its vigor might decrease under less than ideal conditions. Beach morning-glory possess specialized traits, such as broad leaves that maximize light absorption, making it well-suited for open outdoor areas. Planting it in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight will ensure the plant maintains robust health and optimal growth, showcasing its full potential as a resilient coastal species.
Temperature
Beach morning-glory likes a warm and humid climate. It is resistant to heat but not to cold; suitable growing temperatures range from 20 to 35 ℃. Within that range, it grows more vigorously at higher temperatures. When the temperature is lower than 10 ℃, it will slow or stop growing, and frost damage can easily cause the plants to die. Beach morning-glory requires adequate soil moisture to grow, but cannot tolerate water accumulation. It grows slowly in dry environments with high temperatures.
Watering
Thriving in coastal sands, beach morning-glory is adapted to the sporadic rainfall of its seaside habitat, with a penchant for well-drained conditions and moderate humidity. This species exhibits resilience to salt spray and occasional droughts, maintaining a balance between moisture retention and drainage. Watering every week will suffice to mimic its natural environment. As an outdoor plant often found along shorelines, beach morning-glory has developed a root system that efficiently absorbs sparse rainwater while anchoring it firmly against beach winds.
Soil
Beach morning-glory does not have stringent soil and pH requirements and is tolerant of infertility. It grows well in slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils, and grows best in soils with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Loose, fertile soil is recommended. You can use garden soil with a small amount of peat when planting. if your soil is not very permeable, add some sand or perlite. Loosening the soil can help the root system grow better.
Fertilizing
For beach morning-glory, a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended to enhance growth and flowering. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a quarter-strength solution to prevent nutrient overload. Be cautious not to over-fertilize as beach morning-glory is adapted to sandy, nutrient-poor soils; excess can lead to foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Adjust applications according to seasonal growth, with reduced fertilizing in the cooler months as beach morning-glory’s growth slows. For effective fertilization, dilute properly and apply to moist soil, avoiding direct contact with the leaves and stems.
Planting Instructions
Beach morning-glory is generally propagated by seeds or cuttings. When using seeds, sow in spring or summer, as the temperature and moisture are more suitable in these two time periods and the seeding rate and survival rate are the highest. Soak the seeds in water for 6-12 hours before sowing. Sprinkle the soaked seeds directly on the soil surface and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Alternatively, dig a few 2 to 3 cm-deep holes, place seeds in the holes, and water them well. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in about a week. After germination, fertilize the seedlings promptly by spreading a layer of organic fertilizer on the soil surface. Be careful not to fertilize near the roots, which can easily burn the seedlings and make them wither.
Pruning
Beach morning-glory grows quickly, so prune diseased and weak branches during winter dormancy. This can prevent poor ventilation due to excessively dense branches and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation
Beach morning-glory is a robust coastal vine notable for its resilience and quick growth in sandy environments. Propagation of beach morning-glory can be effectively achieved through division, a method particularly suitable for its spreading habit. To propagate beach morning-glory, a section of the root system including both roots and shoots should be carefully separated from a healthy mature plant. Ensure each division has ample roots to establish itself independently. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, mirroring the natural sandy habitat in which beach morning-glory thrives. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging to encourage root development.
Transplanting
For beach morning-glory, the prime transplanting moment is the onset of warmer days in early to mid-spring, fostering root establishment. Ideally, choose a sunny site with well-draining soil. Gentle handling will contribute to its thriving new beginning.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
Native to the coastlines of tropical and subtropical areas across the globe, Beach Morning Glory occurs naturally on coastal dunes where it is an important sand stabilizer and colonizer after disturbances. Beach Morning Glory is excellent for beachfront homes and coastal landscapes.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
You can collect beach morning-glory seeds in late fall when they are ripe. Keep them in a cool, dry place, saving them for sowing the next spring or summer.
