Morning glories are often considered old fashioned plants and they truly have been loved for generations. Never common, but nonetheless appreciated for their profusion of blooms(they increase in numbers as the summer progresses!), they do indeed provide a wonderful return for the effort of their cultivation. How many anual plants do you know that actually increase their blossom numbers as they mature? These double forms are RARE and choice. ‘Sunrise Serenade’ is the double red, and ‘Split Second’ is the double pink. Their flowers resembling carnations, or double petunias, even begonias or double camellias in some instances. As the vines grow, they produce more branches which increases the blossom production. These make useful temporary screens, or colorful vertical accents for one season! You can use them to climb up an unsightly fence, screen out unwanted views, or train up a post/column to give the added bonus of profuse flowers. The doubles are exceedingly rare and considered heirloom varieties. You will be hard pressed to locate any of them, but I have them growing at the nursery, getting ready to bloom. Additionally, I also have some of the single cvs. some of which have striped flowers, with streaks and bands of contrasting colors radiating out from the centers. Morning glories are long cultivated in Japan, where several strains exist. Some have huge flowers, in excess of 5-6 inches across, and often they have variegated foliage as well. The tradition is that they are purchased (or grown) to produce a long lasting display of flowers all summer and into frost(winter). Seeds are lovingly saved and sown the following year. The bright opening flowers only last a day, but they are profusely blooming. If planted in rich soil in a sunny location (in the ground), they increase in size and productivity. You can have dozens of blossoms each and every day to greet you first thing in the morning. Arrow shaped leaves are also attractive. These are easy care plants, just regular watering and occasional feeding will keep them growing vigorously and producing multitudes of flowers.
