Morning Glory Flowers

Morning glory refers to several Ipomoea species prized for their trumpet-shaped flowers that unfurl at dawn and close by afternoon. Fast-growing, vining, and exuberant, they bring a burst of color—blue, purple, pink, white—to fences and trellises. In Japanese culture (asagao), they evoke the beauty and brevity of early morning.

Occasions & recipients

Find flowers by occasion

Best occasions

  • Summer birthdays and garden parties
  • Housewarming or new beginnings
  • Teacher appreciation and back-to-school
  • Get well / encouragement
  • Thank-you gifts

Suitable for

  • Friends and neighbors (cheerful, informal gifting)
  • Teachers or mentors (growth and guidance)
  • New homeowners (fresh beginnings)
  • Spiritual or wellness support (renewal and hope)
Color taboos
  • All-white arrangements may be associated with mourning/funerals in parts of East Asia.
  • Purple can signify mourning for widows in Thailand and may feel somber in some contexts.
  • Very dark or blackish tones can feel funereal in Western cultures.
  • Bright red may read as romantic/passionate—avoid for sympathy or formal professional gifts.
  • Highly variegated mixes can suggest fickleness, which may clash with formal occasions.
Card messages
  • May these dawn-opening blooms remind you that every day begins with new possibilities.
  • Like morning light, your kindness brightens my day—thank you.
  • Wishing you fresh starts and gentle mornings in your new home.
  • Here’s to resilience and growth—may your days climb ever higher.
  • A little burst of color for your mornings—thinking of you.

At a glance

Key details

Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.

Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.

Botanical info

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Clade: Angiosperms; Order: Solanales; Family: Convolvulaceae; Genus: Ipomoea; Common name: Morning Glory; Notable species: Ipomoea purpurea, I. tricolor, I. nil.
Distribution
Native to tropical/subtropical Americas; now widely cultivated and naturalized across warm-temperate and tropical regions worldwide (Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania).
Conservation
If received as cut flowers: display in a bright, cool spot and expect each bloom to last only a day; recut stems and refresh water daily. If received as a potted vine: place in full sun, water when the top inch of soil is dry, provide a trellis, and pinch tips to shape. Protect from frost and avoid overfeeding.
Presentation etiquette
Deliver early in the day so blooms are open. Morning glory performs best as a potted vine or garden gift rather than a long-lasting cut bouquet. Include a support stake/trellis and a brief care card. Mention pet/child safety due to seed toxicity, and choose colors suited to the recipient’s culture and occasion.
Ideal delivery time
Early morning (7–10 a.m.) during peak bloom season in late spring through early autumn; best presented as a potted vine or freshly cut the same morning.
Toxicity
Seeds (and sometimes other parts) contain ergoline alkaloids; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, hallucinations, and lethargy in humans and pets. Keep away from children, cats, dogs, and livestock; seek medical/veterinary advice if ingested.
Allergenicity
Generally low to moderate; pollen is primarily insect-dispersed. Some individuals may experience mild hay fever or skin irritation from sap—wear gloves if sensitive.

Meaning & taboos

Symbolism & color
A vivid emblem of dawn, resilience, and the beauty of transience—celebrating fresh starts while acknowledging life’s fleeting moments.

Growing & tools

Care & gear
Growing tips
Grow as an annual climber in most climates. Sow scarified/soaked seeds directly outdoors after last frost in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or fence for twining; use soft ties. Water regularly but avoid soggy soil; do not over-fertilize (excess nitrogen reduces blooms). Pinch to encourage branching, deadhead to limit self-seeding, and monitor for invasiveness in warm regions. Blooming typically begins mid-summer and continues until frost.
Recommended tools
  • Trellis or obelisk
  • Soft plant ties or clips
  • Seed starter trays and labels
  • Hand pruners/snips
  • Watering can with fine rose
Symbolizes
  • Ephemeral love and the fleeting nature of life
  • Renewal and fresh starts
  • Affection and gratitude
  • Tenacity and upward striving
  • Summer and early morning joy