All About the Morning Glory Plant
The morning glory plant belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and covers more than 1000 plant species. Morning glory plants derive their name from the small, circular shaped flowers which they are known to produce in the early morning hours. Most species of morning glory plants are native to tropical America, although different species of morning glory can also be found through certain parts of Asia as well. While the different morning glory plants can be divided up into the different genera of the Convolvulaceae family—which includes the Rivea, Merremia, Ipomoea, Convolvulus, and Calystegia generas—nearly all morning glories are known for creating funnel shaped flowers that can be colored yellow, white, red, purple and blue.
These flowers are also known for their ability to retract and close up during hot afternoons while returning to their open positions again in the morning. However, if the sky is overcast and temperatures are low, some morning glories have been known to remain open throughout the day.
Generally, morning glory flowers are most often used as wall and garden decorations. However, morning glories also have a history of being used for medical purposes in China as well. When growing morning glory plants, you should select a growing spot that receives plenty of direct sunlight. You should also have plenty of well-drained soil on hand when planting your morning glory seeds. To begin, you should plant the seeds roughly one inch deep and erect a support system for your morning glory plant to grow on. As the plant begins to break through the ground, you can guide it along your support system and it should be able to take off on its own. Be sure to water the morning glories regularly as well.
