Ipomoea Lobata Summer Flower Plant
Although this species is peerless, it has many different names, including Mina lobata and Quamoclit lobata. Whatever its name, it is always the same magnificent Mexican climber that displays its beauty best in southern countries. In cooler climates, it needs a warm and sunny position, but even then it will not flower until the second half of the summer. Sowing indoors early in the year will encourage it to come into flower slightly sooner.
After mid-May, you can plant the ipomoea in open ground up against a pergola or, even better, in a pot or other container, as the soil will then warm up faster. The claret-colored stems wind their way upwards on tall supports and produce elegant trilobate leaves. The flowers follow from July onwards on separate stems, which may be picked for displaying in vases. While still in bud, the flowers are red but, as they develop, they become lighter and lighter until they are almost white. At this point, they open and release their stamens and pistil. The plant may ultimately grow several yards tall tall, but, in a pot, its growth is splendidly modest.