Saltmarsh morning-glory (Ipomoea sagittata) is a trailing perennial vine that will grow to 1.8 m long. Native to the southern United States, it can be found in Florida’s marshes and mangrove swamps. It blooms in summer and fall with showy, funnel-shaped pink to purple flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ipomoea sagittata, commonly called the saltmarsh morning glory, is a species of flowering plant in the morning glory family. It is native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Southeastern United States where it is found in coastal areas. It has been introduced in the Mediterranean Basin at least since the 17th century as a result of seeds transported in ship ballast soil, the ornamental trade or its uses in medicine. This species can be found in the wild in thickets on barrier islands, the edges of salt marshes, and in hammocks.
Saltmarsh morning glory is a trailing perennial vine found in Florida’s salt, floodplain and glade marshes, mangrove swamps and rural areas. Its showy blooms appear in summer and fall. The large nectaries and flowers attract many insects, but it is most visited by bees.
Saltmarsh morning glory flowers are solitary and funnel-shaped with five fused pink -to-purplish petals and a darker throat. Five greenish sepals cup the flower at its base. Sepals and stems are glabrous. Leaves are sagittate with long petioles. They are alternately arranged. Seeds are borne in globose capsules. Tendrils and underground rhizomes give the vine its vigorous mobility.
Like other members of the Ipomoea genus, Saltmarsh morning glory blooms in the morning and begins to wilt and close up by afternoon, hence the common name “morning glory.”
The family name Convolvulaceae comes from the Greek convolvere, which means “to wind,” referring to the winding nature of the stems. The species epithet sagittata is Latin for “arrow-shaped” and refers to the leaf shape.
II. How to Grow and Care
Saltmarsh morning-glory thrives in habitats similar to its native coastal environments, requiring minimal maintenance. Key care points include ensuring consistent moisture, as saltmarsh morning-glory prefers wet or damp soil conditions, and providing full sun exposure to promote healthy growth and flowering. Special care should involve monitoring for common pests like aphids and taking preventative measures, if necessary, to maintain plant health.
Sunlight
Saltmarsh morning-glory thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day, which promotes vigorous growth and optimal flowering. It has a good tolerance for partial sun, though this may result in reduced blooming and less robust foliage. The plant can adapt to varying light exposures by adjusting leaf orientation to maximize light absorption. For outdoor planting, saltmarsh morning-glory should be situated in open areas where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for the greater part of the day. These light preferences and adaptations ensure saltmarsh morning-glory’s health and vitality.
Temperature
Saltmarsh 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. Saltmarsh 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 its native wetland habitats, saltmarsh morning-glory has adapted to environments with high moisture levels. This species is known for its affinity for humidity and maintains a balance between drought resistance and moisture preference. Regular hydration supports its growth, necessitating watering every week. Saltmarsh morning-glory, typically grown outdoors due to its love for natural light and climate zones, flourishes when the surrounding soil mimics the moist conditions of its indigenous settings.
Soil
Saltmarsh 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 optimal growth, saltmarsh morning-glory benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, applied monthly during the growing season. A ratio blend, such as 10-10-10, ensures vigorous growth and fruitful blooms. Start with half-strength dosages to prevent root burn, gradually increasing to the recommended amount on the product label. Seasonal variations influence saltmarsh morning-glory’s fertilization needs—less is required in winter. Apply during morning or evening hours for effective uptake, avoiding the hottest part of the day, and water salt marsh morning-glory well after fertilizing to help nutrient absorption and to prevent root damage.
Planting Instructions
Saltmarsh 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 whiter.
Pruning
Saltmarsh 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
Saltmarsh morning-glory belongs to a group of flowering plants that thrive in saline environments. It is typically propagated through sowing its seeds directly into a well-draining soil mix. The seeds benefit from pre-sowing treatments such as soaking in water to enhance germination rates. Even moisture and warmth favor seedling growth, so maintaining consistent conditions is crucial. Once seedlings emerge and establish, transplanting them to their desired location should be done with care to minimize root disturbance.
Transplanting
For saltmarsh morning-glory, the prime transplantation time is from the awakening of early spring until the enthusiasm of late spring, ensuring vigorous growth. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil to welcome this perennial beauty. Keep matters simple and supportive for a flourishing transition.
III. Harvesting and Storage
You can collect saltmarsh 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.
