memorize the secrets to growing moonflower , and you ’ll be rewarded with trumpet - shaped flowers that unfurl every evening .
Mike Jensen
Moonflower(Daturaspp . ) is one of the most fascinating plants you may grow , with turgid , trumpet - shaped flowers that unfurl in the even and stay open until break of day . Several varieties of moonflower ( also bonk as devil ’s trumpet , jimson weed , andthorn Malus pumila ) give off a lemon redolence when their flowers are open . While the nocturnal blooms of thisself - seeding annualare impinging , the greyish - green tropic - front leaves are make it an attractive daytime accession to the garden too . Learn the salutary place to embed Ipomoea alba , and how to care for it , to check breathless bloom for months .
Credit:Mike Jensen
Note : Another works also goes by the name " moonflower , " which causes confusion . Moonflower ( Datura ) andmoonflower vine(Ipomoea alba ) are unlike plant with different need . This article is about moonflower ( Datura ) .
Where to Plant Moonflower
As beautiful as this plant may be , it is deadly if take . When embed Ipomoea alba , locate them in a slur out of reach of child and darling . This plant also has a boney nature and , in some cases , can become an aggressive broadcaster . To keep this plant from take over a garden , break up off theseed pods .
Plant moonflower inUSDA Hardiness Zones 3–9where you’re able to enjoy the eve perfume of the flowers , such as in corporation next to your porch vacillation . If you have pet or small kid , check that to localize moonflowers out of compass .
How and When to Plant Moonflower
These plants are frost attender , so they should be set outdoors in the background or in container gardens after thedanger of frosthas clear in the leap .
Moonflower Care Tips
Light
Moonflowerflourishes in full sunshine , intend at least 6 hours per mean solar day . It can handle part shade , but may not flower as well . to partial refinement .
Soil and Water
plant life moonflower insoil that drains welland has a indifferent pH. Water the plants regularly , but do n’t lease them sit in excessively soggy territory or they ’ll molder .
Fertilizer
During the former fountain / early summertime blooming season , moonflower benefits from regular fertilization at half the even strength . utilise a fertiliser that is high in phosphorus , such as bone meal .
Pests and Problems
Ipomoea alba have few pest problems , although they might become overrun with whitefly , spider mites , ormealybugs . Most of these pest can be knocked off the plant with a substantial spray of water from the hose . For more stubborn infestations , useneem oilor insecticidal soap .
How to Propagate Moonflower
Moonflower self - seeds freely , so you ’re likely to see other plants start up , which you’re able to gently transplant to other parts of the garden . But if you ’d care to take a more knowing approach , you’re able to use the seeds from the thorny cod that develop after blooming for propagation . Here ’s how :
Types of Moonflower
As the name “ moonflower “ suggests , many varieties clear at night . The petals slowly unfurl as the even comes . When morning get , the flowers curl up , reverting to their closed form .
‘Blackcurrant Swirl’ Moonflower
Datura’Blackcurrant Swirl ' offer double regal flowers on 5 - ft - tall plants .
‘Evening Fragrance’ Moonflower
Datura meteloidesbears pure - bloodless flower and fuzzy gray - green foliage on a flora that can grow 4 feet grandiloquent .
Moonflower Companion Plants
The best fellow plant for Ipomoea alba share exchangeable visible light and body of water needs , while also complement its form . choose for other night - bloomers if you you ’d like to create an extra - fragrant eve garden .
Cardoon
Denny Schrock
Few annuals are bluff or make more of a instruction thancardoon ( Cynara cardunculus ) . This imposing works can reach 5 infantry grandiloquent and bear toothed , thistlelike , silvery leaves . The flush count like silvery - violet artichoke and take a back hindquarters to the works ’s telling foliage display . Though cardoon is perennial in Zones 7 - 9 , they ’re usually grown as annuals .
Spider Flower
Matthew Benson
It ’s amazing that the tall , dramaticspider flower ( Cleome hassleriana)is only an annual . Once temperature warm up , it soar to 4 feet or more quickly and bring forth large balls of flowers with fascinating farsighted seedpod that whirl out from it . It typically self - semen prolifically , so you only ask to found it once . Because it develops surprisingly prominent thorns , it ’s best to keep spider flower away from walkways . Group them in clustering of six or more for upright event .
Flowering Tobacco
Many types offlowering baccy ( Nicotiana)are terrifically fragrant , especially at night . There are several type of nicotiana ( also called blossom tobacco because it ’s a full cousin of the steady baccy flora ) . Try the shorter , more colorful types in container or the front of bed or delimitation . The taller , white - only types , which can reach 5 feet , are dramatic in the back of borderline . They ’re ideal fornight gardensbecause they ’re unremarkably most fragrant at fall . These plants do well in full sun and moist , well - drained soil , and they may reseed .
Garden Plan for Moonflower
Drought-Tolerant Garden Plan
Moonflower lends fragrance and stature to this informal assorted garden bottom , amid drouth - tolerant trees , evergreen shrubs , perennial , and annuals .
Frequently Asked Questions
Moonflower ( Datura ) is a shrubby - looking flora that grows a few metrical unit tall . Moonflower vine ( Ipomoea alba ) is — no surprise — a vining works that can reach up to 16 invertebrate foot in length . The latter has barbellate pods , while the vine does n’t . Also , the leave ofDaturahave an unpleasant scent when they are crushed .
Not only is moonflower toxic when consume , but it can cause pelt irritation . touch the plant or even its sap is propose against . It ’s best to head off touching without gloves , especially if you have raw peel .
Throughout story , there have been stories about poisons being made with this plant . It generate its soubriquet from both its toxicity and its human body . It has trump - determine prime that give in the nighttime .
Credit: Hirneisen Photography
Bliss , Molly . Datura Plant Poisoning . Clinical Toxicology Review . 2001 ; 23(6 )
Credit: Mike Jensen
Credit:Denny Schrock
Credit:Matthew Benson
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
