Morning Glory Heavenly Blue
Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue'
This vigorous climbing vine produces stunning sky-blue trumpet-shaped flowers with white throats that open fresh each morning, creating a spectacular living curtain of color. The heart-shaped leaves provide excellent coverage for fences, trellises, or arbors, while the 4-5 inch blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the summer. This All-America Selections winner has been beloved by gardeners since 1966 for its reliable performance and breathtaking color.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–12
USDA hardiness
Height
8-10 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Morning Glory Heavenly Blue in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Morning Glory Heavenly Blue · Zones 2–12
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: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Blue Star' 'Crimson Rambler' 'Heavenly Blue'azure blue trumpet-shaped flowers with white and yellow throats 'Heavenly Blue Improved', 'Blue Star', 'Crimson Rambler', 'Heavenly Blue', 'Heavenly Blue Improved'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a dehiscent dry capsule. The small, black seeds are poisonous. To plant the seeds, nick the hard seed coat and soak overnight.
Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Since Morning Glory Heavenly Blue is ornamental and toxic, there are no edible storage methods. For seed preservation, clean harvested seeds by removing any plant debris and allow them to air dry completely for one week. Store seeds in paper envelopes or small glass jars in a cool, dry location below 50°F – a refrigerator works well.
For preserving the flowers themselves, morning glories don't press well due to their trumpet shape and delicate nature. However, you can photograph the daily blooms for garden records, as each flower lasts only one day. Some gardeners create botanical sketches or watercolor paintings to preserve the memory of these ephemeral beauties. The heart-shaped leaves can be pressed successfully for craft projects, though remember to wash hands thoroughly after handling any part of the plant.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Heat, Poor Soil, Urban Conditions
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Seeds): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting morning glories
Marigolds
Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Sweet Peas
Similar growing conditions and climbing habits, both fix nitrogen in soil
Sunflowers
Provides sturdy support structure for morning glory vines to climb
Cosmos
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, complementary flowering periods
Zinnias
Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, similar water and sun requirements
Cardinal Climber
Compatible climbing vine with similar care needs, extends flowering season
Sweet Alyssum
Ground cover that attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for climbing space
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill morning glories
Mint
Aggressive spreading habit competes for nutrients and space, can overtake morning glory roots
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in leaves and roots inhibit germination and growth of nearby plants
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
Aphids, leaf miners, flea beetles
Diseases
Leaf spot, rust, stem rot in overly wet conditions