Ipomea kvokkolit - the star of any flower garden

In natural conditions, morning glory occurs in tropical countries, on the territory of Russia in the basin of the rivers of the Far East and East Siberia grows only the species of Siberian Ipomoea. The plant belongs to the family of cornflowers, which number is more than 500 species.

Among the cultivated varieties, Ipomoea kvamoklit red was widespread. This winding liana, brought from tropical America, has openwork dark green leaves and bright graceful flowers. The plant grows very quickly and can reach 2.5 meters length during the growing season. On the stem are numerous star shaped flowers about 2 cm in diameter. Most often, the coloring of the coronas is carmine-red, but there are variants with pink and white flowers that blossom in August and last until late autumn.
In the conditions of Russia, the morning glory has perfectly taken root, which is also a native of the American subtropics. This perennial liana, which has a low stem with a strong branching, reaching an eight-meter length, is cultivated as a one-year-old.

The leaves of cornflower are trilobate, cordate, located on long petioles and slightly lowered. Large flowers 5-7 centimeters in diameter are collected on several buds on long pedicels, which grow from the sinuses, and have bell-shaped, funneled form. Inflorescences are painted in pink, red, purple, dark purple to blue. The inner part of the corolla is always white. On a clear day, the flowers open early and close at noon, cloudy - the buds are open for a longer time. Blossoms glory from June to the first frost. Fruits are formed in the form of rounded capsulelets, in which there are up to 4 large seeds.

Ipomea kvokmolit requires special conditions of detention. In the summer period, positive temperatures above 20 degrees should be observed. The plant needs sunlight, at lunchtime it must be shaded, otherwise burns form on the leaves. When there is a lack of lighting, the leaves can acquire a light green tint.

The plant needs moderate watering, the soil in the upper layers should be able to dry out. In winter, moistening is limited, and depending on the temperature, they are made 1-2 times a month.

Propagation of the morning glory kvakomlit seeds or the division of tubers. Seeds must be pre-soaked in a light mixture of river sand and peat before sowing. Germination occurs at 18-20 C.

The plant is favorably affected by regular foliar spraying. If the tips of the leaves dry, this is the result of excessive dryness of the air, especially during the hot summer season. Spray should be 2 times a day.

Transplantation is carried out annually in February and March. Ipomea kvamoklit prefers a water-permeable, friable, breathing soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. In the soil is not recommended to add moss sphagnum, it will make the substrate sour. Soil should contain the following composition: coconut fiber, leaf humus, peat, vermiculite, fine expanded clay, pieces of charcoal (2: 4: 2: 2: 1: 1). Required good high drainage, which is laid on the bottom of the pot.
To feed the plant begin in March, and so do every 2-3 weeks, until August. As additives, fertilizers are used for cacti or ornamental plants with a low nitrogen content, which do not deoxidize the soil.
For the development of the morning glory, you need a support in the form of a vertically stretched wire, line or grid, along which the stems will be wound.

Ipomea kvamoklit, thanks to bright star colors, will not only be a home decoration, but it will also look great as a gazebo or fence, along tapestries and decorative walls.