morning glory plant

[callisto]

help ive been recommended a plant( morning glory )but cant find it anywhere its to climb up a garage wall...... can anyone tell me what its like .....is it pretty or am i better off getting a clematis,jasmine or honeysuckle want it to look nice and im new to this gardening lark.....

[Clanad]

The problem with Morning Glory's, in my opinion, is that they are annuals and return each year from seeds.  This is usually fairly successful, but because they also tend to be hybridized they often don't return "true" to the original plant one desired. Additionally, they need controling since the seeds can sprout just about anywhere. They are hardy, and heat resistant, producing blooms throughout the growing season.  If grown on a fence they tend to leave a lot of vining that doesn't produce flowers or leaves the following year and looks somewhat unsightly.  Personally, I much prefer clematis... but at any rate, best of luck!

[oxeyedaisy]

you can buy morning glory seeds most places that sell seed..try wilkinsons if you have one near you..or any garden centre or shop that sells a wide range of seeds..you could still buy a honeysuckle and plant some morning glory seeds..if you want a quick climber nastersiums have a tall climber that grows quickly..if the garage wall is south facing you could buy a passion flower ..they grow quickly but need to be south facing to do really well..you could also hang some hanging baskets on the wall for an instant effect...best of luck

[Gilli]

Errrmmmm...... oxeyedaisy ....... think Celebrity Love Island or whatever it's called has got you rather over-excited ! ...... 'cos you're talking about it in a gardening thread !

Personally, I'd be a little wary of morning glory, because, as Clanad states it does have a habit of popping up everywhere. It is  - I think, the cultivated relative of the notorious bindweed.

If you're new to gardening, check out the "climber" section in your local garden centre. Each plant ticket will tell you about preferred site (e.g. sun/shade) and estimated growth rate etc.

I love Honeysuckle for its scent, which is particularly noticeable in the evening. Clematis comes in many varieties and the choice of colour/flower shape is very wide. Don't know how big an area you wish to cover but you might also consider a climbing rose, or, Californian Lilac, with its masses of dark blue flowers can look spectacular against walls.

[Robinia]

I agree with the others I wouldn't use morning glory in this instance either.  I've only ever grown it in a large pot up a wigwam of canes & it was lovely for the summer.  If you are intending to make a permanent display along the garage wall the first thing you will need to do is fix some kind of frame or trellis to it, or just in front, so that you've something to tie your plants to as they grow.  Personally I would grow a honeysuckle, a winter jasmine (not officially a climber but can be trained) & a clematis to entwine between the two.  Of course a lot may depend on which way the wall faces but a good garden centre/nursery should be able to help.  If they don't know much go somewhere else!!

Welcome to the world of gardening, you'll soon be an addict!

[greenfingers]

Morning Glory is beautiful , an annual which will be killed by the first frosts of Autumn. Also it is what the name says -- beautiful blooms in the morning but by midday they are starting to die, but new buds open the next day. I've never been lucky enough to have them self sow! If you want to grow them you've still time if you plant seed now.

[callisto]

wow u folks know your stuff , i will be needing your help to design this garden have just had 9x4 m conservatory built and the patio is laid , terracing of lawn in full swing but this damn bare garage wall is bugging me, have just bought a patio set and hardwood gazebo with drapes so at least it will be covered but taken your advice and will plant up some hanging baskets whilst also starting off a honeysuckle or climbing rose , we have a new garden centre who did not stockmorning glory , so your helphas been invaluable .....thanx to all