While the moonflower is not rare in the wild, it is rare in cultivation, a botanic garden spokesperson said. This species of Strophocactus is grown in just 16 botanic gardens worldwide.
These special plants only bloom at night, when the moon is out. During the day, moonflowers are no larger than an inch or two wide, but when the sun sets, they open up to an astounding six or seven inch long bloom. Because of their aloof bloom and sweet smell, moonflowers are extremely romantic.
Some species of the plant contain scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which have been deemed by scientists not to be safe for humans. Wash your hands after you touch any part of the moonflower, including its seeds.
When beautiful and mysterious moonflower's creamy, white blooms open at night they provide a light, sweet fragrance. The plant produces flowers all summer till the frost: deadhead blooms you can reach, but it will continue to flower if you can't get them all.
Moonflower (Datura) is one of the most romantic plants you can grow in a garden. The large, trumpet-shaped flowers unfurl in the evening and stay open until the sun rises. Several varieties of moonflower also give off a lemon fragrance when their flowers are open.
We are proud to offer moonflower plants for sale. These are best planted near a patio or walkway where their scent and flowers can be appreciated.
The white flowers only bloom once. After the flower has wilted, you will then see the seed pods begin to form in its place. Allow the seed pods to fully mature on the plant and then remove them to dry. The following spring it will be time to plant your seeds!
The Moonflower is a rare cactus flower from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. It only flowers between sunset and sunrise and a flower lasts for a single night.
Why are my moonflower plants not blooming? Moonflowers are sensitive to day length and may bloom later in the summer. They prefer a poor soil and if they are over fertilized, they may grow into larger plants with many leaves but few flowers.
This night-blooming flower has large, pure white blooms, heart-shaped leaves and a sweet, pleasant scent.
Just like every part of a moonflower bush is poisonous to humans, every part is also toxic to animals.
Harvesting Seeds
Each moonflower seedpod contains a single large, black seed. If you wish to harvest the seeds to plant them in the future, then pick the pods from the moonflowers in fall as soon as the pods dry and begin to split open. You may loose some seeds if the pods split completely before you get to them.
The nocturnal blooms are ideal for professionals who enjoy their gardens in the evening. The bold white flowers glow at dusk. Moonflowers prefer rich, well-drained soils.
Also known as Datura or Moonflower, this often fantastic looking weed is packed full of poison that could kill your dog. This harmless looking green weed produces a white flower, and if your dog ingests the plant, he's at risk of the poison quickly taking hold of the body.
Moonflowers can be tricky to grow in containers, unless they are very large, because the vines can reach 10' to 20' in length. All parts of moonflowers, including the seeds, are toxic, so keep children and pets away from them. In some states, various Ipomoea species are considered noxious weeds and may be prohibited.
Moonflower can be propagated by sowing or cutting. To collect cuttings, cut about 10 cm of the stem from a healthy plant, and remove 2-3 leaves from the lower part. Cut the stem diagonally to expand the water absorption area and ensure that the stem can fully absorb water.
If your Moonflower doesn't receive enough sunlight, it may struggle to grow and may become weak and leggy. The leaves may also start to turn yellow, indicating that the plant is not getting enough sunlight to produce chlorophyll. In extreme cases, the plant may even die.
Plant them in soilless mix in four-inch (10-cm) pots and provide bottom heat. They'll germinate in 10 days. Grow them indoors (you may need to provide a small trellis in the pot) under grow lights or in a bright, sunny window for about four weeks. Move them outdoors in late spring when days are warm.
Moonflower (Ipomoea alba): A relative of the morning glory, climbing moonflower vines produce white, 4- to 6-inch flowers that unfurl after dark and give off a powerful scent.
US Wildflower - Moonflower, Tropical White Morning Glory, Moon Vine, Evening Glory - Ipomoea alba.
Moonflower Attracts Moths
As a powerfully fragrant night-blooming plant, moonflower is a draw for bats and night-feeding moths, especially sphinx moths. Head outside on full moon nights to enjoy the luminous glow of the white blooms.
These plants have evolved over millions of years to be timed with the night/day cycle to open only in the night. They do this because night-flying insects mostly pollinate them.
Package seed in a glass container or plastic bag. Remove any wrinkled or discolored seeds, as they are not viable. Label your containers and store the seed for up to two years in a cool, dark location that will not freeze, such as a basement or insulated garage.