My friend, Patti and I went to a concert last week to see BD Mylo and the Go Daddy's... very cool! When we got home this beauty of her's was greeting her on the garden path... I had to get a picture of it. Not bad for just an iphone shot, huh? Moonflowers are nocturnal bloomers, perfect for night owls and late night birds like Patti and I, strolling in from a concert for that night cap. The shame of it all, is that this bloom is ONLY for one night ... the moon flower petals die in the morning after they open. On a warm summer night, moon flowers can open in a matter of minutes. Luckily, there are alot of buds and usually you will get a succession of blooms for nights in a row. Then as the sun rises, and they close their fragrant blooms. Kind of like that guy who was absolutely perfect in every way the first night ... until morning... oh... what were we talking about... back to moonflowers...
Moonflowers are vining plants and can grow 12-18 ft in a single year. They are perennial in their native tropical home. Here (NJ) and in more northerly areas they are used as annuals. These blooms are the size of saucers and very showy. You are going to love them. Great for you white garden lovers! They really show up at night as you can see in the shot.
Moon flower plants are prolific climbers with very attractive almost heart shaped leaves, similar to morning glories. Make sure to plant them where they can climb towards the moon. Plant them along patios and sidewalks where people are likely to be in early evening hours. They are to be enjoyed!
How to Grow Moonflowers:
Grow them from seeds... easy man! Sow them directly into your garden in the Spring after there is no danger of frost. Cover with 1/4" of soil. Option#2 start them inside to get a jump on the season, then put them outside after the frost danger. Water them once thoroughly! They germinate quickly and will grow quickly. Then space them out - if needed about 6" apart. Bedebadebadeba...Thats all Folks!
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