Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Otts'
morning glory (syn. Ipomoea purpurea Grandpa Ott)
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender annual
A great, climbing ‘morning glory’ for trellises and wigwams, 'Grandpa Ott' has flowers of intense violet-blue, with a central, ruby red star produced in prolific blooms up to 7cm (2½in) across. Best grown in a warm sheltered spot outdoors, or inside a conservatory, the trumpet-shaped flowers close up in the afternoon but open for business in the mornings to attract bees and butterflies. Makes a great, long-season conservatory climber. - Growing instructions: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to start the germination process and then plant 2.5mm deep into small pots filled with a freely draining compost. Germination at 68°F (20°C) takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Thin out carefully when large enough to handle taking care not to damage the roots and harden off before planting out after all frosts.
- Sow: March to May
- Flowering: June to September
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: Half-hardy annual
Throughout the summer, this annual climber produces a continous supply of eye-catching, trumpet-shaped flowers in sumptuous shades of rich purple and plum, which open in the morning and last for just one day. Fast-growing and very decorative, it is attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, and is ideal for covering a pergola or wall in a sunny, sheltered site.
Make sure there is adequate support for it to climb up, but do not plant it outside until all risk of frost has passed. Water freely when in growth and apply a liquid fertiliser at monthly intervals. If it is not going to be overwintered in a warm place, cut it back to ground level after it is hit by a frost and start again with a new plant the following spring.
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to start the germination process and then plant 2.5mm deep into small pots filled with a freely draining compost. Germination at 68°F (20°C) takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Thin out carefully when large enough to handle taking care not to damage the roots and harden off before planting out after all frosts.
- Harmful if eaten