Ipomoea indica
 
Common Names Blue Morning Glory, Oceanblue Morning Glory, Koali Awa, Blue Dawn Flower
 
Zones 9B–11
A vigorous, twining vine with luminous blue-purple blooms, Ipomoea indica is a long-lived tropical perennial native to the Americas but now naturalized across warm regions worldwide. Its funnel-shaped flowers open in the morning and fade by afternoon, creating a dynamic display that shifts with the sun. Though stunning, it’s also fast-growing and can become invasive in unmanaged settings—best suited for controlled landscapes or restoration buffers where its vigor is an asset.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Twining vine; climbs fences, trellises, and trees
Height: 10–20 ft (3–6 m); spreads aggressively if not pruned
Leaves: Heart-shaped to three-lobed; 5–15 cm long; soft hairs on underside
Flowers: Funnel-shaped; 5–8 cm wide; bright blue to bluish-purple; fade to reddish-purple with age
Bloom Time: Spring through fall; year-round in frost-free zones
Fruit: Capsule; rarely ornamental; seeds can self-sow
Ecology: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; provides cover for small wildlife
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun preferred
Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Soil: Rich, well-drained; tolerates sandy or loamy soils
Temperature: Frost sensitive; dies back below 32°F (0°C)
Humidity: High tolerance; thrives in tropical and subtropical climates
Propagation: Seed or stem cuttings
Tolerance: Heat, drought, urban conditions; low salt tolerance
 
Landscape Use Ideal for trellises, arbors, and fence lines in tropical gardens. Use in restoration zones to quickly cover disturbed areas, but monitor spread. Pairs well with Thunbergia grandiflora, Passiflora suberosa, or Cestrum nocturnum for layered vertical interest.