Moonflower
Ipomoea alba
An enchanting night-blooming vine that opens massive white flowers at dusk, filling the evening air with intoxicating fragrance. These dinner-plate sized blooms unfurl in minutes as you watch, creating magical twilight moments in the garden. A fast-growing climber that can reach 15 feet in a season, perfect for covering fences, arbors, or creating a romantic evening garden backdrop.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
10-30 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Moonflower in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Moonflower · Zones 10–12
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal.
Harvesting
Small capsule with acuminate (pointed) tip 1" long split open and contain 4 smooth white seeds
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: 'Belle de Nuit' 'Giant White', 'Belle de Nuit', 'Giant White'
Storage & Preservation
Cut moonflowers last only 4-6 hours in water due to their ephemeral nature. Place stems immediately in cool water and display in a cool room away from direct light to maximize their brief beauty.
For seed preservation, allow harvested pods to dry completely in a warm, airy location for 2-3 weeks. Remove seeds from dried pods and store in paper envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry place. Properly stored moonflower seeds remain viable for 3-5 years. Label containers with harvest date and variety information. Store in refrigerator for longest viability, or keep in a cool basement or closet where temperatures remain below 70°F. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture and cause seed rot.
History & Origin
Origin: Florida, Mexico, Central and South America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer
- +Attracts: Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Nectar from flowers attracts night-flying moths. Members of the genus Ipomea support the following specialized bees: Melitoma taurea and Cemolobus ipomoeae.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Catnip
Natural pest deterrent that repels mosquitoes and other insects
Morning Glory
Similar growing conditions and climbing habits, creates beautiful contrast with night and day blooming
Four O'Clock
Both are night-blooming plants that attract nocturnal pollinators like moths
Evening Primrose
Complementary evening bloomer that attracts beneficial night pollinators
Nicotiana
Fellow night-bloomer that attracts moths and provides pest deterrent properties
Marigold
Repels nematodes and aphids while providing daytime color contrast
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting moonflower
Sweet Alyssum
Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover beneath climbing moonflower
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including moonflower
Sunflower
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby climbing vines
Tomato
May compete for nutrients and both are susceptible to similar fungal diseases
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, aphids, spider mites
Diseases
Root rot in waterlogged soil, leaf spot