Morning glories, Ipomoea purpurea, are quick-growing vines, popular for their colorful flowers that open each morning from summer until the first frost of fall.
Reaching between six and 10 feet in height, this fairly aggressive plant can take over a garden if you aren’t careful.
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Fortunately, they are easy to grow in containers, which can be particularly advantageous if you are worried about them spreading.
The beach morning glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae) is a vibrant flowering vine that is commonly found along coastlines and is well-suited for gardens and landscapes With its fast growth rate, attractive foliage, and pretty blooms, the beach morning glory can add beauty and color when grown in containers.
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting a container for growing beach morning glory, consider the following:
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Size – Choose a container that is at least 12-14 inches wide and deep to allow ample room for root development. Beach morning glory has an extensive root system.
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Drainage – Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogged soil Good drainage is key for healthy root growth,
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Material – Pick a durable container that can withstand sun wind and salt exposure. Plastic and ceramic pots tend to work well.
Getting the Soil Right
Use a quality potting mix that drains well but also retains some moisture. You can amend regular potting soil with compost or coconut coir to improve drainage. The ideal pH range is 6.0-7.0.
How to Plant Beach Morning Glory
Planting beach morning glory from seed or cuttings is quite straightforward:
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Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly in containers once outdoor temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
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Soak seeds in water overnight before planting to improve germination. Sow at 1⁄4 inch depth.
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Space seeds or cuttings 12-18 inches apart if planting more than one plant per container.
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Add a trellis or plant next to a vertical structure for the vines to climb on.
Sun and Location
Beach morning glory thrives in full sun. Place containers in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Some afternoon shade in hot climates can be beneficial.
Shelter the plants from strong winds, which can damage the vines. Elevate pots off hot surfaces to prevent overheating the roots.
Watering and Fertilizing
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Water beach morning glory regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Slow release pellet fertilizer also works well.
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Reduce water and fertilizer during the fall and winter months.
Training and Pruning
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Add a trellis, stakes, or other support structure for the vines to climb on vertically. This shows off the flowers and prevents sprawling.
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Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushy, compact growth. Remove dead or damaged vines as needed.
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Cut back to 6 inches in late fall before bringing containers indoors for winter. Resume pruning and training the following spring.
Overwintering Containers
In frost-free climates, beach morning glory can be grown year-round in containers outdoors. Elsewhere, move pots to a protected area like a garage or unheated porch before first frost.
Water sparingly over winter. Prune back and resume normal care when spring temperatures arrive. Discard plants that don’t rebound in spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
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Root rot from overwatering – Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Leaf spots/blights – Prune affected foliage. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves.
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Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites – Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control. Attract beneficial insects.
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Leggy growth – Pinch back tips and provide support for vines. Ensure adequate sunlight.
Tips for Showcasing Beach Morning Glory in Containers
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Grow in hanging baskets for cascading flowers and foliage.
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Line a balcony railing or deck with colorful pots.
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Plant at the base of palm trees or other vertical landscape structures.
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Mix with annuals like petunias, zinnias, or marigolds for contrast.
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Display containers along fences, arbors, and stair railings.
With its fast growth, ease of care, and cheerful flowers, beach morning glory is an excellent choice for gardens and container plantings in warm climates. Use containers to control spread and highlight this free-flowering vine in any outdoor space.
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Advantages of Container Growing
I love growing morning glories! They come in all sorts of colors, can add vertical dimension to the garden when trained up trellises, and pollinators love them.
The only downside is that because they grow rapidly and self-seed readily, they have a tendency to take over gardens.
Sometimes they can wind around and suffocate other plants.
Fortunately, container growing is an easy way to keep these vines under control, reducing the risk of a hostile takeover.
This also gives you the freedom to set them anywhere, like a balcony or patio.
Since this plant is a perennial in warmer climates, you can even choose to grow it indoors, or move the pots inside for the winter.
Look for a pot with drainage holes that is at least eight to 10 inches wide, and six inches deep.
Plant in a light potting soil that drains well. Adding some gravel to the bottom of the container will help ensure holes don’t get clogged.
You can start seeds indoors in the container about four to six weeks before the last frost, or start outside once the soil has warmed to 60°F.
Soaking seeds overnight prior to planting can help improve germination. Sow seeds at 1/4 inch deep and water well.
Once seedlings emerge, thin to no more than two or three plants per pot.
For more details on how to propagate and grow morning glories, read our full guide.
Set the planter somewhere that receives full sun, and that is sheltered from strong wind.
Be sure to set a trellis in the pot, or set the container next to or beneath something the vine can climb and whorl around, such as a fence or archway.
You can even find pots and planters that have a trellis built in, such as this one from Wayfair.
You can also plant them in hanging baskets and let them trail over the side.
Water two times a week or more during dry weather, and be especially attentive to soil moisture if you are keeping it indoors.
Tip: Morning glories work well planted with other climbing vines such as the moonflower, which blooms late in the day. Try planting both together in the same planter for flowers in the morning and the evening!
If you are keeping your morning glories indoors, remember that these vines need quite a bit of sun, at least six to eight hours a day.
They grow best in direct bright light and should be set in a sunny south or southeast facing window.
Make sure they have something to vine around so they stay contained. You may also choose to prune during the summer to slow growth and encourage blooming.
Deadhead spent flower heads and trim back lateral stems that sprout to keep vines from growing out of control.
Indoor plants should be watered with a fine mist during initial growth to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Once plants are well established, water thoroughly a couple of times a week at the soil level, letting the soil dry out before watering again.
In late fall, cut plants back to about six inches tall and reduce watering. The vine will resume growth once spring arrives.
To encourage blooming, you may also feed plants every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season, such as AgroThrive General Purpose Liquid Fertilizer, available from Arbico Organics.
Growing Gorgeous Beach Morning Glory in Your Garden
FAQ
Is Beach Morning Glory edible?
Do morning glories do well in hanging pots?
Do morning glories like sun or shade?
Can morning glories be grown in containers?
How do you grow morning glories from seeds?
To grow morning glories from seeds, fill the container with a well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and water them well. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate in about 7 to 14 days.
Do morning glories grow in containers?
Morning glories like the sun or even a bit of afternoon shade and will mix well with other climbers, especially moonflower vine that opens later in the day. Container morning glory flowers can also be used in hanging baskets, as they will trail gracefully down over the pot for a lovely display.
How do I choose a container for Morning Glory?
When choosing a container for morning glory, it is important to consider the pot size, material, and drainage. Morning glory plants have deep roots, so it is important to choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep. The pot should also have a diameter of at least 12 inches to provide enough space for the roots to spread out.
Can Morning Glory grow in pots?
Potting soil is a good option for growing morning glory in pots. It is specially formulated to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage for potted plants. A mixture of potting soil and compost can also be used to improve soil quality. Morning glory plants require regular fertilization to thrive.