The ‘Carnival of Venice’ Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea ‘Carnival of Venice’) is an ornamental annual vine known for its vibrant and unique blooms. This plant offers a lively addition to any garden space, bringing colorful beauty and an easy-to-grow nature. Its striking flowers unfurl in the morning light, creating a dynamic visual display.
What Makes Carnival of Venice Morning Glory Special?
This variety features distinctive bicolored blooms with intricate patterns of pink, white, and purple. Each funnel-shaped flower, up to 3 inches wide, presents a unique combination of stripes and star-like markings. This visual variability makes the ‘Carnival of Venice’ a standout among other morning glory types. The vigorous climbing habit of this vine, which can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet, provides vertical interest in gardens. It can adorn trellises, fences, and various support structures.
Planting Carnival of Venice Morning Glory
Proper seed preparation ensures good germination. Morning glory seeds have a hard outer coat, so scarify them by gently nicking the seed coat with a nail file or sharp tool. Following scarification, soak the seeds in warm water overnight for 6 to 24 hours to aid in water absorption and germination. Plant these seeds directly into the garden after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed, typically when temperatures are consistently above 70°F (21°C).
Site selection requires a location that receives full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours daily. Well-draining soil is preferred, though these plants can tolerate a range of soil types. If your soil is heavy, amending it with organic matter can improve drainage, but avoid overly rich soil, as this promotes foliage growth over flower production.
Sow seeds thinly, about 1/2 inch deep, and space them according to mature dimensions to ensure adequate airflow. Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or other climbing structure at planting time, as the young vines will quickly seek support.
Caring for Your Carnival of Venice Morning Glory
Consistent watering is beneficial, especially during dry periods, aiming for about one inch of water per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root issues. The plant needs full sunlight; direct sun is necessary for the flowers to open and for prolonged bloom time.
Avoid excessive fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen formulas, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If fertilization is necessary, a balanced or high-phosphorus formula applied sparingly, perhaps once a month, can support healthy growth and blooming. As the vigorous vines grow, gently guide them onto their climbing structures for support. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the season. Allowing some flowers to go to seed at the end of the season can also provide seeds for future planting.
Common Challenges and Solutions
A frequent issue is a lack of blooms, which can stem from too much nitrogen fertilizer, insufficient sunlight, or overly rich soil. To remedy this, ensure the plant receives at least six to eight hours of direct sun, avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, and ensure the soil is not excessively fertile.
Pests like aphids and spider mites can affect these vines. If detected, a strong spray of water can dislodge aphids, and insecticidal soap or horticultural oils, such as neem oil, can effectively manage both pests.
Diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spots, often associated with high humidity or poor air circulation, may also appear. Proper spacing of plants and ensuring good airflow can help prevent these fungal issues. For existing infections, mild fungicide treatments can be applied. The vigorous growth habit of this morning glory means it can spread rapidly; pruning can help manage its size and prevent it from overtaking other plants.