Morning Glory 'Ruffle red' - Ipomoea Imperialis

15 seeds

Ruffled Red Blooms:

The Ruffle Red morning glory boasts large, ruffled flowers with deep, rich red petals that create a dramatic effect in the garden. The flowers have a soft, velvety texture and open early in the morning, making them a beautiful sight to start the day.

Fast-Growing Vine:

This morning glory variety is a fast-growing, vigorous climber that can reach heights of 10-12 feet in a single season. It’s perfect for vertical gardens, covering fences, walls, or trellises with its cascading blooms and lush green vines.

Pollinator-Friendly:

The bright red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this variety a great choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

Easy to Grow and Maintain:

Morning Glory 'Ruffle Red' is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its fast growth and striking flowers will quickly transform any space into a vibrant garden display.

Light Requirements:

Full sun is essential for Morning Glory 'Ruffle Red' to thrive. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its vibrant red blooms. The more sun the plant gets, the more flowers it will produce.

Watering:

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging. Once established, this morning glory is somewhat drought-tolerant but will flower more profusely with consistent moisture.

Soil:

This morning glory prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) and works well in loamy or sandy soils. For container gardening, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.

Fertilization:

Morning Glories generally do not require much fertilization, but a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring will help promote strong growth. During the blooming season, you can switch to a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer to support flower production. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms.

Support:

As a climbing vine, Ruffle Red needs support to grow properly. Install a trellis, fence, or arbor for the vine to climb. The plant naturally twines around structures, so ensure that it has plenty of room to spread and grow. 

Pruning:

Regular deadheading (removal of spent flowers) will encourage continuous blooming and keep the plant looking tidy. While pruning isn't necessary, cutting back leggy or overgrown growth in mid-summer can help the plant focus energy on producing more flowers.

Pests & Diseases:

Morning Glory 'Ruffle Red' is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may attract aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites. Treat infestations with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. To avoid fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure the plant has good air circulation and avoid watering the foliage directly.

Companion Planting:

Pair Morning Glory 'Ruffle Red' with other vibrant flowers such as petunias, nasturtiums, or sweet peas to create a colorful vertical garden. The striking red blooms will complement other flowers, adding depth and contrast to your garden.

Containers and Hanging Baskets:

This morning glory can also be grown in large containers or hanging baskets. Just be sure the container has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate its root system. A sturdy trellis or support will allow the plant to climb and spread.

Pollinator Attraction:

The red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making this variety ideal for pollinator-friendly gardens. Planting near other flowering plants will help create a habitat for beneficial insects.