Japanese morning glory

Japanese morning glory is a fast-growing annual climbing plant native to tropical Asia but widely cultivated in Japan for centuries. This plant is renowned for its beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the early morning and close by midday, especially under bright sunlight. The blooms come in a range of striking colors including blue, purple, pink, white, and various bi-colored patterns, with many cultivars developed in Japan displaying ruffled, fringed, or even star-shaped petals.

The foliage is typically heart-shaped, and the plant can rapidly cover fences, trellises, or arbors, making it a favorite in ornamental gardening for both its visual appeal and ability to provide natural shade. Japanese morning glory thrives in full sunlight and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It is typically propagated by seeds, which are easy to germinate when soaked in water overnight before planting.

In Japanese horticulture, asagao—the local name for the morning glory—is deeply embedded in culture, often associated with summer, beauty, and fleeting moments, symbolizing the impermanence of life. Festivals and exhibitions are held during the blooming season, where enthusiasts showcase rare and unusual varieties. The flowering period usually begins in mid to late summer and continues until early autumn. Gardeners often pinch off the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.