Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. However, if you don’t have time to take care of an aggressively seeding plant, you might want to think twice about introducing them into your garden, as they can get out of hand in a hurry. If you have a space where they can run wild over a fence, pergola or arbor, they will make quick cover of it. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
Annual in areas that get below 45 F, but can still reseed and come back year after year on their own; perennial in warmer, more tropical climates.
Beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a gorgeous flowering vine that is often grown as an ornamental plant. With its fast growth rate and stunning purple blooms, it’s no wonder beach morning glory is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes However, after some time, your beach morning glory may outgrow its current pot and require repotting. Repotting allows the plant’s roots more room to spread out and access fresh nutrients It’s an essential task for maintaining the health and vigor of your beach morning glory.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of repotting a beach morning glory plant step-by-step We’ll cover when to repot, what supplies you need, how to remove the plant from its old pot, preparing the new container, transplanting techniques, and aftercare Follow these tips and your beach morning glory will continue thriving in its new home.
When to Repot Beach Morning Glory
Beach morning glory typically needs repotting every 1-2 years The best time is in early spring, just as the plant exits dormancy and begins actively growing for the season Repotting in spring gives the plant time to overcome any transplant stress before summer heat arrives.
Signs that your beach morning glory needs repotting include:
-
Roots circling the bottom of the pot. This indicates the plant is rootbound and needs more space.
-
Stunted growth. Lack of nutrients and room for root expansion will cause growth to slow.
-
Wilting despite regular watering. Rootbound plants cannot properly absorb moisture.
-
Yellowing leaves. Can signal nutritional deficiencies in rootbound plants.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to repot your beach morning glory.
Supplies Needed for Repotting
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand:
- New pot (at least 2 inches bigger than the current pot)
- Potting soil designed for flowers and vegetables
- Small shovel or trowel
- Pruning shears or scissors (to trim roots if needed)
- Watering can
- Pitcher or bucket (for removed soil)
- Gloves (optional)
Terracotta, plastic, ceramic, and fabric pots all work well for beach morning glory. Just be sure the new pot has drainage holes. An all-purpose potting mix amended with compost or worm castings provides good nutrition.
Step 1 – Water the Plant Well
The day before repotting, give your beach morning glory a thorough watering. This will help keep the root ball intact when you remove it from the old pot. Well-hydrated plants also experience less shock during transplantation.
Step 2 – Remove the Plant from the Old Pot
Tip the pot on its side and gently slide out the beach morning glory root ball. You may need to lightly tap the edges of the pot to loosen it. Try to keep as much soil around the roots as possible.
If roots are densely circled or tangled at the bottom, you can gently loosen them by hand or use pruners to trim off any damaged or congested sections. This encourages healthy new root growth after transplanting.
Step 3 – Prepare the New Pot
Fill the bottom of your new container with a couple inches of fresh, well-draining potting mix. This provides a base for you to set the beach morning glory’s root ball on.
If your pot does not have drainage holes, add a 1-inch layer of pebbles or gravel before the potting soil. This improves drainage and reduces the risk of root rot.
Step 4 – Transplant the Beach Morning Glory
Place the beach morning glory root ball into the prepared new pot. The top of the root ball should sit just below the pot’s rim, at the same level it was growing at previously.
Surround the root ball with more fresh potting mix, filling in around the edges and pressing down gently to stabilize it. Do not pack the soil too firmly or you can restrict air flow to the roots. Leave about 1 inch between the soil and the pot’s rim.
Step 5 – Water Thoroughly
Once your beach morning glory is situated in its new home, water it thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This removes any air pockets in the soil and saturates the root zone.
Let excess water drain completely before returning the pot to its saucer. Beach morning glories are prone to root rot if left in soggy soil.
Step 6 – Provide Aftercare
For about 2 weeks after repotting, provide extra care while your beach morning glory recovers:
-
Keep the soil consistently moist by watering when the top inch becomes dry. Reduce watering once established.
-
Move to a shady spot for a few days to help prevent transplant shock. Then gradually increase sunlight.
-
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
-
Monitor for signs of stress like drooping leaves or yellowing. Adjust care as needed.
-
Stake or trellis vines for support if necessary. Repotting can loosen anchorage.
Ongoing Care After Repotting
Once your beach morning glory adjusts after repotting, continue caring for it normally:
-
Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid overwatering.
-
Situate in full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun is ideal.
-
Prune off spent flower blooms and unhealthy vines as needed.
-
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced flower fertilizer.
-
Repot annually or biannually in fresh soil as the plant grows. Use a pot 2-4 inches larger each time.
With the proper care when repotting and after, your beach morning glory will flourish for years of growth and gorgeous flowers to come. Paying attention to its needs through transplanting and beyond is the key to success.
Are morning glory vines invasive?
Morning glories are often mistaken for their aggressive and invasive cousin, field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), also called creeping Jenny, but they are two different species. Morning glories are from the family Ipomoea and, yes, can also be hard to handle and stubborn. They grow quite rapidly and will aggressively self-seed if not prevented by cutting back and removing seed pods, and some varieties have been declared invasive in certain areas. Field bindweed, on the other hand, sends out deep roots that make it nearly impossible to get rid of. These deep roots also allow it to overwinter in colder climates to return again and again. Field bindweed blooms in white or pink flowers and usually has smaller leaves than morning glory.
Morning glories are easily grown from seed and can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last spring frost. If sown directly into the garden, plant after any threat of frost and once the ground has warmed up to 64 F.
Pick a site that gets plenty of sun. They will tolerate some very light shade, but bloom their best in full sun. Because of their rapid growth, choose a location that will allow for its mature size. Morning glories will readily self-seed if allowed, so make sure they are in an area that is accessible for cutting back spent blooms before they go to seed or an area where self-seeding is acceptable. Be considerate of neighboring yards and where the seeds might fall.
If planting from seed, file seeds to break the outer shell and soak for 24 hours prior to planting to help with germination. Cover lightly with one-quarter to one-half inch of soil and water thoroughly. When transplanting, be careful of the roots, as they don’t like being disturbed. Water deeply for several days after transplanting to help the roots get established in their new home. Helpful hint: If starting from seed, use peat or other disintegrating pots that can be planted directly in the soil to lessen the stress on the root system.
Morning glories grow quite rapidly once established, up to 12 feet or more in one season.
No pruning is required; but to prevent unwanted self-seeding, old flowers should be thoroughly removed before they form seedpods.
Morning glories prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist until the plant is well established. Adult plants aren’t as picky about their soil and can tolerate poor, dry conditions.
Although usually not necessary, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season. Be careful not to fertilize too much as this can produce more foliage than flowers.
Water freely during growing season and once or twice a week during dry periods; but again, established morning glory plants can tolerate drier conditions. Cut back watering in winter.
Softwood cuttings of perennial species can be rooted in spring or summer. Harvest mature seeds in the fall.
Morning glory vines are sturdy and not generally affected by disease or pests, but can occasionally be susceptible to white blister, rust, fungal leaf spot, stem rot, and wilt. They can also be bothered by aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Deer will eat morning glory leaves and vines, although the seeds are poisonous.
All morning glories should be grown with care and you should check for locally invasive species. Here are a few of the more widely acceptable types: Swipe to view slides
Photo by: alybaba / Shutterstock.
Common morning glory Ipomoea purpurea
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 10 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: June to October; year-round in tropics
Color: Purple flower with white throat
Trumpet-shaped purple flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, which is what gives morning glories their common name. This fast grower grows up to 10 feet in one season. See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: ChViroj / Shutterstock.
Moonflower Ipomoea alba
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 10-12 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 10 to 15 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: July to October; year-round in tropics
Color: White flower
This tropical native is noted for its fragrant nighttime blooms and broad, deep green leaves. Flowers open in the evening and close before noon the following day. (Not to be confused with daturas, also commonly called moonflower.) See more on the invasiveness of this species.
Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
‘Heavenly Blue’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Blue-purple flower with white throat, yellow center
Fast growing, twining climber with a classic morning glory look. Prohibited in Arizona and Arkansas.
Photo by: I_Fleurs / Shutterstock.
Flying Saucers’ Ipomoea tricolor
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: To 12 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropics
Color: Silvery white, streaked with blue
One of the more popular varieties due to its variegated flower, it produces large saucer-shaped blooms.
Photo by: Jjaikla / Shutterstock.
Beach morning glory, railroad vine, bayhops Ipomoea pes-caprae
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: Ground cover 16 inches high and can spread over 30 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Late summer
Color: Pink petals with a darker center
Tolerant of sandy soil, salty air and water. Found along southern beaches from Texas to Florida and Georgia. Fast growing ground cover with evergreen leaves.
Photo by: Lucia Barabino / Pixabay.com.
Mile-a-minute vine, Messina creeper, Cairo morning glory Ipomoea cairica
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11
Height/Spread: 8 to 10 feet
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer, year-round in tropical climates
Color: Purple
Noted as invasive in some areas, check locally before planting.
Photo by: Carol Cloud Bailey / Millette Photomedia.
Ground morning glory Convolvulus sabatius
Zones: Perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 20 F
Height/Spread: Groundcover 1 foot tall and spreads 3 feet in diameter
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Spring through fall, year-round in mild winter regions
Color: Lavender-blue
Forms a mat of green leaves with funnel-shaped flowers.
Photo by: Sari ONeal / Shutterstock.
Cardinal climber Ipomoea xmultifida (I. sloteri)
Zones: Annual, perennial in zones 9-11 or areas over 45 F
Height/Spread: 6 to 12 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Summer
Color: Bright red
A favorite of hummingbirds, with bright red tubular flowers and deeply cut foliage.
- Morning glory vines will quickly cover trellises, pergolas, arches and fences.
- Use them to create a colorful wall or to cover an unsightly area.
- Fashion a living fence, porch or deck railing.
- Plant vines in containers with a supporting trellis.
- Drape out of a hanging basket; they will also twine up the hangers.
- Grow responsibly in areas where reseeding is acceptable.
- Some varieties are considered invasive in certain areas, check locally before planting.
Blue My Mind® dwarf morning glory. Photo: Proven Winners.
Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’. Photo by: Hemerocallis / Shutterstock.
Morning glory vines bring old-fashioned charm and a quaint cottage feeling to any garden. However, if you don’t have time to take care of an aggressively seeding plant, you might want to think twice about introducing them into your garden, as they can get out of hand in a hurry. If you have a space where they can run wild over a fence, pergola or arbor, they will make quick cover of it. Their funnel or tubular-shaped flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon. If you’re up for the challenge, here’s more information on growing morning glories.
Annual in areas that get below 45 F, but can still reseed and come back year after year on their own; perennial in warmer, more tropical climates.
6 to 12 feet, or more depending on variety.
Varieties available in purple, blue, red, white, pink and bi-colored.
Morning glory seeds are highly toxic if ingested.
Beach Morning Glory Creeper| Propagation Stem Cutting| Easy to Grow Plants|Beauty in Nature
FAQ
How to repot a morning glory?
What kind of soil do morning glories like?
Does morning glory grow well in pots?
Do morning glories like sun or shade?
How do you grow beach morning glories?
To establish beach morning glories in gardens, take a cutting and set it into moistened sand. The internodes will shortly send out roots. Set them 3 feet (1 m.) apart and keep plants moist for the first few months. Gardeners growing beach morning glories can breathe a sigh of relief.
What is beach morning glory?
Beach morning glory is also called railroad vine due to its scrambling nature and ability to cover less used tracks and roadsides. It is adapted to coastal areas where sand is plentiful and the soil is well-draining. Salt, heat, and wind don’t bother this plant and it is common to see it splayed across a dune in coastal regions.
Can You transplant morning glories from peat pots?
These biodegradable pots are used for annual and perennial plants, including morning glories. To transplant morning glories from peat pots into your garden, try watering the plants thoroughly before attempting the move. Dig the holes first, making them slightly bigger than the peat pots and do not touch or rip any roots that you might see.
Where does beach morning glory grow?
Forming roots at the nodes, they provide a dense leafy cover. Native to the coastlines of tropical and subtropical areas across the globe, Beach Morning Glory occurs naturally on coastal dunes where it is an important sand stabilizer and colonizer after disturbances. Beach Morning Glory is excellent for beachfront homes and coastal landscapes.