The Moonflower, scientifically known as Ipomoea alba, is a captivating ornamental vine closely related to the common morning glory. This plant distinguishes itself by choosing the night hours for its most dramatic display, offering a unique visual experience in the garden.
The Distinct Appearance of the Nocturnal Bloom
The flower of the Moonflower vine is a remarkable size, often reaching up to six inches across when fully open, sometimes described as the size of a saucer or salad plate. Its shape is distinctly trumpet or funnel-like, formed by five fused petals that create a broad, flat face. This expansive, symmetrical structure is almost always a pure, alabaster white, which contributes to its luminous appearance in low light.
The petals possess a delicate, satin-like texture, and their iridescent quality allows them to glow brightly under the ambient light of the moon or streetlamps. At the center of the bloom, a subtle, star-shaped pattern can often be observed in a pale, light green hue. From this central point extend the reproductive structures—the stamens and pistil—which are less conspicuous.
The Dramatic Opening Process
The Moonflower is named for its habit of opening rapidly at twilight, a process that is often described as a visible, real-time event. Unlike most blossoms that open slowly over hours, a mature Moonflower bud can unfurl completely in just one to three minutes.
The large, tubular flower buds, which may measure two to three inches long, are tightly wound in a distinct spiral pattern before they bloom. As the light fades, the bud begins to swell, and the tightly coiled edges of the petals begin to peel back. The petals separate and quickly flatten out, transforming the spiraled tube into the wide, flat bloom. The flower remains open all night, but it is highly sensitive to light and will close by dawn, or when exposed to the strong morning sun.
Structural Elements: Leaves and Vining Habit
The spectacular flowers are supported by a vigorous, herbaceous vine that features dense, dark green foliage. The leaves are large, typically four to eight inches long, and are easily identifiable by their pronounced heart shape, known botanically as cordate. This lush foliage creates an effective, vibrant backdrop for the pure white blooms.
Ipomoea alba possesses a strong climbing habit, requiring a support structure like a trellis or arbor to grow vertically. In a single warm season, the vine can easily grow 10 to 15 feet, reaching heights of 30 feet or more in tropical environments. The climbing stems are robust and contain a milky juice that is released if the stem is cut.