Convolvulaceae
Bush Morning Glory (Ipomoea carnea): Complete Guide to This Tropical Shrub
Ipomoea carnea
A robust and easy-to-care-for plant, ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens. Requires full sun, moderate watering with well-draining soil, and monthly fertilization during the growing season. Tolerates heat and moderate drought well, making it excellent for hedges and low-maintenance gardens.
Every 9 days
Direct sun
10° - 38°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Bush Morning Glory?
Bush Morning Glory (Ipomoea carnea) is a easy-care plant from the Convolvulaceae family. Ipomoea carnea, commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, is a fast-growing tropical shrub in the Convolvulaceae family. Native to tropical Americas, it stands out for its trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink and lavender, blooming abundantly from spring through fall. Unlike the climbing species of...
Bush Morning Glory grows up to 5.0m, with spread of 250cm, watering every 9 days, 10°C – 38°C, 40–70% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water every 9 days, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as standing water causes root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter months.
Lighting
Requires full sun for abundant flowering — place in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In partial shade, the plant grows but blooms less prolifically.
Ideal Soil
Use well-draining soil amended with sand or perlite to prevent compaction. An ideal pH range is 6.0-7.5. Soil rich in organic matter supports vigorous growth.
Recommended Pot
Terracotta or ceramic pot without saucer, with generous drainage holes. For garden planting, prefer raised beds with excellent drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 730 days
About Bush Morning Glory
Ipomoea carnea, commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, is a fast-growing tropical shrub in the Convolvulaceae family. Native to tropical Americas, it stands out for its trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink and lavender, blooming abundantly from spring through fall. Unlike the climbing species of Ipomoea, this variety grows as an upright shrub reaching up to 5 meters tall. It is widely cultivated in warm climates for its ornamental value and is considered invasive in several regions worldwide.
How to Propagate
Stem Cutting
Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent disease. Keep substrate slightly moist but never waterlogged. Rooting occurs faster at temperatures above 20°C.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 15-20 cm long with 2-3 nodes
- 2 Remove lower leaves, keeping only 2-3 at the top
- 3 Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder
- 4 Plant in moist, well-draining substrate
- 5 Keep in indirect light until roots establish
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Caution: seeds are toxic — always wear gloves when handling them.
- 1 Lightly scarify seeds with fine sandpaper
- 2 Soak in warm water for 12-24 hours
- 3 Sow in moist substrate at 1 cm depth
- 4 Maintain temperature of 22-28°C for germination
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
5.0m
Spread
2.5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional use of roots as a laxative
- Topical application for skin disease treatment in folk medicine
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Resilience and tropical vitality
Fun Facts
Unlike typical morning glories that are climbers, Ipomoea carnea grows as an upright shrub reaching up to 5 meters tall
It is considered an invasive species in several regions of Africa and Asia due to its remarkable growth vigor
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing alkaloids swainsonine and calystegine which can cause serious neurological problems in livestock
Despite its common name, the flowers of Ipomoea carnea stay open longer than most other morning glory species
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Bush Morning Glory?
Is Ipomoea carnea toxic?
How do I propagate Bush Morning Glory?
Why is my Bush Morning Glory not blooming?
How often should I prune Bush Morning Glory?
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
