IPOMOEA tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' (Morning Glory, Blue)

IPOMOEA tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' (Morning Glory, Blue) is a popular cultivar of the Morning Glory plant, scientifically known as Ipomoea tricolor. Ipomoea tricolor is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. 'Heavenly Blue' is a cultivar that has been selected for its striking blue flowers. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and is appreciated for its fast growth and showy blooms.

Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' is a vigorous climbing vine that can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). It features heart-shaped leaves and produces large, funnel-shaped flowers. 'Heavenly Blue' is named after its vibrant sky-blue flowers, which measure around 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 centimeters) in diameter. The flowers typically open in the morning and close in the afternoon.

Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue' is typically grown as an annual in temperate climates, where it completes its life cycle within one growing season. It thrives in warm weather and requires a long frost-free period to reach its full potential. In tropical or subtropical regions, it can behave as a perennial and continue growing year-round.

Morning Glory 'Heavenly Blue' prefers full sun exposure to ensure the best flower production. It grows well in a variety of well-drained soils but prefers fertile and moist soil conditions. It is commonly grown on trellises, fences, or other support structures to allow the vines to climb.

Morning Glory 'Heavenly Blue' can be propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden bed or start them indoors before the last frost date and transplant the seedlings outdoors when the weather has warmed up. Scarifying or nicking the seeds with a file or soaking them in warm water for a few hours before planting can help improve germination rates.

Morning Glory 'Heavenly Blue' is primarily grown for its attractive flowers. The vibrant blue blossoms add a splash of color to gardens and can create a stunning visual display when grown on trellises or fences. It can also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.

Caution: It's important to note that Morning Glory plants, including 'Heavenly Blue,' contain toxic compounds, particularly in their seeds. These compounds can be harmful if ingested. Therefore, it's advisable to keep the plant away from children and pets and handle it with caution.