Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Moon Flower Vine

Family: Convolvulaceae (kon-volv-yoo-LAY-see-ee) Genus: Ipomoea (ip-oh-MEE-a) Species: alba (AL-ba) 

  
Hi Friend! Do you know that you are a blessing to me from God? Well you are! It brings me such joy to know that you visit Butterbean Row.

I have loved moon flowers for a while now. They are night blooming and not being a night person, I wasn't sure if I would ever see one.

They are easy to grow from seed. Mine were planted in a pot of good potting soil mix. As far as I know, they are all various shades of white. I never thought that they would bloom while I was awake. 

They actually bloom around 6:30pm where I am, anyway. And they are spectacular!

See the ants on the bloom? The aroma is so sweet that insects love it.



 I tried brushing the ants off, but the flower tore:

as you can see.


This is a bud not quite ready to open yet. I sat for 2 hours waiting, but nothing happened. It was actually the next night that it was ready.




The flowers are about 6-7 inches across, when fully opened. And the scent is heavenly!


I love the swirls in this bud. Kind of reminds me of a pinwheel.





Except for cropping and adding my copy wright, these are SOOC.




Have a wonderful rest of the week! Peace, love and happiness of the Lord, Jesus, be with you today and always.


Linking up to: beyondlayers

13 comments:

Suzan said...

When looking at the flower at first I thought it was a petunia. But then you called it a moon flower! After scrolling on down and seeing the leaves, it looks like another vining plant that I've seen and grown before in Fla. - never knew the name - but it grew big round things that almost look like a potato, but I don't remember flowers growing on it??? Are the flowers always white? Lovely photos Charlotte!

Chatty Crone said...

I love the moon flower!!! All the photos were pretty. I especially liked the one midway that is wrapped up and likes like a white and green spiral.

And the movie Dairy Of A Wimpy Kid - was so funny - I am going to buy it.

sandie

Gail Dixon said...

They are really gorgeous flowers. I've never heard of them, so thanks for sharing! The swirly bud is my favorite stage. Sorry you tore the petals trying to swipe the pesky ants away. Dang ants!

hootnonny said...

Thanks for mooning us! My fav is the swirly bud. That would be cool cropped w/just it.

Unknown said...

I see why you love these blossoms, they are gorgeous. They sound like they are the opposite of Morning Glories. I wonder how they would do planted together? One would always be blooming. Your pictures of them are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing
Traci

romance-of-roses said...

My husband Rick and I love these flowers. We had a plant, that we grew from seeds and we would wait at night for them to open their lovely blooms. Thank you for reminding us of them, will have to get another one. We had it in a pot and it did so well. Yours is lovely and yes the scent is wonderful. Blessings, Lu

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

I have never seen one so you have tickled my eyes with its beauty...ants and all. I love your capture of it and the hint of pink in the center. LOVELY!

Save a few seeds for me if you happen to have a extra.

GOD bless your day and keep you all safe.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Forgot to say, THAT BUD!!! Frame that one! SO very Perfect!

A.satubuana said...

very nice article. thank to share.. i love it.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful flower this is!
The photo of the bud is amazing.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

I've not heard of Moon Flowers before, they look very similar to purple morning glory in shape and form. You have photographed these beautifully.

Mary Ann Roesler said...

I wish I could find one to smeel this lovely flower...will search and maybe I can find some seeds.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful!