Moonflower

by Ben

MY favorite annual flower is the giant white moonflower. Moonflowers are a fairly hardy vine, and as long as they are planted near something that they can climb up they will thrive. We planted some next to some old lattice work which it took to quite nicely.

We did experience unusually slow growth (They can normally grow to be twelve to fifteen feet.) we found out it was because the moonflower wasn't getting enough sunlight! Yes, despite the name it actually thrives when given partial to full sun. When the vine grows large enough it will bloom beautiful white blossoms.

The attraction of this plant is that the blossoms stay closed all day long. At dusk, they unfold and show off their brilliant white in the shimmering moonlight. These are perfect for a romantic walkway. Just plant them 6 inches apart down either side of a walkway with something to climb vertically and you have a great evening walkway. Another advantage of this annual is if properly cared for and conditions are right, it can become a perennial.

They don't require constant watering and will grow well in dry soil. The only time they require a thorough watering is when they are first planted. They must be planted after the last frost because the cold will kill them if it drops below freezing.

They are most vulnerable when they are first being planted, so try not to start them too early or you may end up losing many seedlings. They can be started in peach pallets but must be placed in the ground quickly as they need root space.

Moonflower Seeds on eBay