Best Plants For East Facing Planters: Morning Glory (2024)

Are you looking for the best plants to brighten up your east-facing planters? Look no further than morning glories! These beautiful flowers are perfect for planters that receive morning sun, as they thrive in sunny conditions. Not only do they add visual interest to any garden or landscape, but they are also easy to care for. Let’s explore why morning glories are the best plants for east-facing planters.

Key Takeaways

• Morning glories are the ideal choice for east-facing planters due to their ability to thrive in sunny conditions.
• These beautiful flowers require minimal care and can add visual appeal to any garden.
• Consider factors such as climbing method, environmental conditions, and maintenance requirements when selecting morning glories for your planters.
• Native climbers are a great option as they support local wildlife and require less maintenance.
• Morning glories have symbolic meaning and historical significance.

Characteristics of Morning Glory Plants

Morning glories are known for their beautifully shaped blooms that unfurl in the sun and their romantic tendrils. They have slender stems, heart-shaped leaves, and trumpet-shaped flowers that come in colors of pink, purple-blue, magenta, or white. These flowers are not only attractive to humans but also beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Morning glories are fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 10 feet in one season. They can be used as groundcover or trained to climb over structures like pergolas and arches.

One of the defining characteristics of morning glory plants is their vines, which are capable of twining around supports to aid in climbing. This natural climbing ability makes them an ideal choice for planters facing east, as the plants can grow vertically and take advantage of the morning sun. Morning glories also have heart-shaped leaves that add visual interest and a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

Types of Morning Glory Vines

There are several types of morning glory vines, each with its own unique characteristics and growth habits. Some varieties produce large, showy blooms, while others have smaller flowers that are more delicate in appearance. Additionally, certain types of morning glories have variegated leaves, adding even more visual interest to the plants.

Variety	Flower Color	Height
Heavenly Blue	Blue	Up to 12 feet
Scarlett O’Hara	Red	Up to 15 feet
Grandpa Ott	Purple	Up to 12 feet

These are just a few examples of the many morning glory varieties available. Each variety offers its own unique charm and can add a burst of color and vibrancy to any garden or planter.

Planting Morning Glories in East Facing Planters

Growing morning glories in east facing planters can be a beautiful addition to your garden. These vibrant and fast-growing flowers are easy to plant and care for, adding a touch of color and elegance to any outdoor space. Here are some tips on how to successfully plant morning glories in east facing planters:

Choosing the Right Location

Morning glories thrive in full sun, so it is important to choose a location for your east facing planter that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Ensure that the planter is positioned in an area that is sheltered from strong winds, as this can damage the delicate stems and flowers.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting morning glories, make sure to prepare the soil properly. These flowers prefer moderately fertile, well-draining soil. You can improve the soil’s drainage by adding compost or sand. Make sure that the soil is loose and crumbly before planting.

Planting the Seeds

Sow the morning glory seeds directly into the planter after the danger of frost has passed. To improve germination rates, you can file down the seeds gently with a nail file and soak them in water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep and cover them with soil. Water the planter thoroughly after planting.

Providing Proper Care

Morning glories require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Make sure to water the planter evenly and avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. Provide support for the vines to climb, such as a trellis or stakes, and gently guide the tendrils towards the support as they grow.

By following these simple planting tips, you can enjoy the beauty of morning glories in your east facing planters. Their vibrant blooms and graceful vines will create a stunning display and bring joy to your outdoor space.

Care and Maintenance of Morning Glories

Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring the health and beauty of morning glory plants in your east-facing planters. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you keep your morning glories thriving:

Watering:

Morning glories require regular watering, especially during dry periods. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the root zone, and avoid shallow watering that only wets the surface. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Support and Training:

As morning glories are climbing plants, they need something to support their growth. Provide structures like trellises, arches, or fences for the vines to twine around. It’s important to train the vines as they grow, gently guiding them along the support structure. This will help create a visually pleasing display and prevent the vines from becoming tangled.

“Proper care and training are crucial for the successful growth of morning glories in your planters. Watering consistently and providing adequate support will help these beautiful vines thrive in your garden.” – Gardening Expert

Fertilizing:

Morning glories are not heavy feeders, but they can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer applied after planting. However, it’s important not to over-fertilize, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it sparingly to avoid nutrient imbalances.

Cleaning and Pruning:

To maintain the health and tidiness of your morning glory plants, it’s important to remove any dead leaves, flowers, or stems. This will not only improve the plant’s appearance but also reduce the risk of diseases. Pinch off old flowers before they turn into seedpods to prevent self-seeding and promote continuous blooming.

By following these care and maintenance practices, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of morning glories in your east-facing planters. Remember to provide adequate water, support the plants as they grow, fertilize sparingly, and keep them clean and pruned for optimal health and blooming.

Morning Glory Care Tips	Morning Glory Maintenance Tips
Ensure consistent moisture in the soil.	Regularly clean up dead leaves and flowers.
Water deeply to penetrate the root zone.	Prune old flowers to prevent self-seeding.
Provide support structures for climbing vines.	Fertilize sparingly to avoid excess foliage.
Train vines as they grow along the support.	Monitor for signs of pests or diseases.

Recommended Varieties of Morning Glories

When it comes to morning glories, there are several popular varieties that gardeners can choose from. Each variety offers its own unique colors and characteristics, allowing you to create a stunning display in your east-facing planters. Here are a few recommended varieties:

Heavenly Blue

Heavenly Blue is a classic morning glory variety known for its rich azure (blue) flowers with white throats. This variety can climb up to 12 feet, making it a great choice for adding vertical interest to your garden. The vibrant blue blossoms of Heavenly Blue are sure to catch the eye and create a striking focal point in your east-facing planters.

Scarlett O’Hara

Scarlett O’Hara is another popular cultivar of morning glory. This variety features bright red flowers with white throats. It can reach heights of up to 15 feet, providing a stunning backdrop for other plants in your garden. The vibrant red blooms of Scarlett O’Hara add a touch of drama and elegance to any landscape.

Other Varieties

In addition to Heavenly Blue and Scarlett O’Hara, there are many more varieties of morning glories to choose from. Some examples include Grandpa Ott’s, a variety with deep purple flowers, and Sunrise Serenade, which features pink flowers with white centers. With such a wide range of colors and characteristics available, you can mix and match different varieties to create a beautiful and diverse display in your east-facing planters.

Variety	Color	Height
Heavenly Blue	Azure (Blue) with white throat	Up to 12 feet
Scarlett O’Hara	Bright red with white throat	Up to 15 feet
Grandpa Ott’s	Deep purple	Up to 10 feet
Sunrise Serenade	Pink with white center	Up to 8 feet

Native Climbing Plants for East Facing Planters

When it comes to choosing climbers for east facing planters, native plants are an excellent option. Not only do they add beauty and visual interest to your garden, but they also have the advantage of being well-adapted to the local environment. Native climbing plants are better equipped to handle the specific soil types and sunlight conditions that are common in your area. They also require less maintenance and are generally more resistant to pests and diseases.

One native climbing plant that thrives in east facing planters is the Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). This deciduous vine features stunning foliage that turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. It can climb up walls, fences, or trellises with the help of small adhesive discs at the end of its tendrils. The Virginia Creeper is not only beautiful but also attracts birds with its clusters of small purple berries.

Another native climbing plant to consider is the American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). This vine produces clusters of bright red berries in the fall, which provide a valuable food source for birds. It has glossy green leaves in the summer that turn yellow in the fall, creating a striking display. The American bittersweet can be trained to grow on a trellis or arbor, adding vertical interest to your garden.

If you’re looking for a native flowering vine, the Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana) is an excellent choice. This vine produces masses of small white flowers with a sweet fragrance in late summer and early fall. It can grow up to 20 feet in height and is perfect for covering fences, walls, or pergolas. The Virgin’s Bower is also a host plant for butterflies and provides a habitat for beneficial insects.

Native Climbing Plants for East Facing Planters

Plant Name	Scientific Name	Characteristics
Virginia Creeper	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	Deciduous vine with stunning fall foliage and small purple berries.
American bittersweet	Celastrus scandens	Produces bright red berries in the fall, glossy green leaves turning yellow in the fall.
Virgin’s Bower	Clematis virginiana	Flowering vine with small white flowers and a sweet fragrance in late summer and early fall.

Choosing native climbing plants for your east facing planters not only ensures their success but also contributes to the preservation of local biodiversity. These plants provide food and habitat for native wildlife, contribute to pollinator populations, and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Consider incorporating these native climbers into your garden to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Tips for Choosing Climbers for East Facing Planters

When selecting climbers for your east facing planters, there are several important factors to consider. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the right climbers that will thrive in your specific environment and meet your aesthetic preferences.

Factors to Consider

1. Climbing Method: Some climbers, such as morning glories, climb by twining their vines around a support, while others may use specialized stems or roots to cling to surfaces. Consider the type of climbing method that suits your preference and the structure you plan to use.

2. Environmental Conditions: Take into account the soil type, sun exposure, and wind conditions in your location. Certain climbers may prefer sandy or loamy soil, while others tolerate a wide range of soil types. Consider the amount of sunlight your planters receive and choose climbers that thrive in these conditions.

3. Structural Support: Evaluate the type of structural support you have available or plan to provide for your climbers. Some climbers require trellises, arches, or walls to climb, while others are self-supporting or can be used as groundcover.

4. Space and Maintenance: Consider the available space in your planters as well as the maintenance regime you are willing to commit to. Some climbers, like English ivy, can be aggressive and require regular pruning to prevent them from taking over your planters. Others, like clematis, may need more specific care and attention.

Environmental Considerations

When choosing climbers, it’s important to consider the environmental impact as well. Some climbers, such as native species, can support local wildlife and provide important habitat and food sources. On the other hand, certain non-native climbers may be invasive and can outcompete native plants, leading to ecological imbalances. Always research the environmental impact of the climbers you choose and opt for native varieties whenever possible.

Climber	Preferred Climbing Method	Environmental Considerations
Morning Glory	Twining vines	Non-invasive, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Clematis	Twining vines or tendrils	Supports wildlife, native varieties available
English Ivy	Suckers or aerial rootlets	Aggressive, requires regular pruning
Honeysuckle	Twining vines	Fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators

Remember, selecting the right climbers for your east facing planters involves careful consideration of climbing method, environmental conditions, structural support, available space, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact. By choosing climbers that align with these factors, you can create a stunning and sustainable garden that thrives in your east-facing location.

Morning Glory Symbolism and Historical Significance

Morning glories have a rich symbolism and historical significance that spans various cultures and time periods. In the language of flowers, morning glories were often depicted in romantic novels and screenplays during the Victorian Era. The different colors of morning glory blossoms conveyed different emotions. For example, a blue morning glory represented affection, while a red flower denoted strong passion. These vibrant blooms were used to express and convey deep feelings and emotions.

Throughout history, morning glories have held cultural significance. They were used for medicinal purposes by various cultures, with different parts of the plant believed to have healing properties. In addition to their medicinal uses, morning glories played a role in religious rituals and ceremonies in many societies. They were seen as symbols of beauty, renewal, and spiritual growth.

“Morning glories have held cultural significance throughout history, representing beauty, renewal, and spiritual growth.”

Furthermore, morning glories have contributed to scientific and technological advancements. Before the discovery of vulcanization, morning glory plants were used in experiments to develop rubber. The plant’s latex-like sap was studied and explored as a potential source of natural rubber. Although these efforts were ultimately surpassed by other methods, morning glories played a part in the scientific journey towards the development of rubber.

Table: Cultural Significance of Morning Glories

Time Period	Culture	Significance
Ancient Greece	Hellenistic Culture	Symbol of beauty and love
Victorian Era	English Culture	Represented diverse emotions in the language of flowers
Medieval Europe	Christian Culture	Associated with the Virgin Mary and spiritual purity
Modern Era	Scientific and Technological Advancements	Contributed to early experiments in rubber production

The symbolism and historical significance of morning glories continue to captivate and inspire. These beautiful blooms serve as a reminder of the deep connections between nature, culture, and human expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, morning glories are an excellent choice for east facing planters. Their stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and fast-growing vines add beauty and visual interest to any garden or landscape. With their ability to thrive in sunny conditions and their low maintenance requirements, morning glories are the perfect plant for those looking to create a colorful and vibrant space.

When choosing morning glories for your east facing planters, consider factors such as climbing method, environmental conditions, and maintenance requirements. Native climbers, like morning glories, are especially recommended as they support local wildlife and require less upkeep. By selecting the right variety of morning glory and providing a suitable environment, you can ensure the success and longevity of your plantings.

Remember to plant morning glories in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and to provide them with the necessary support, such as trellises or arches, for them to climb. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will help your morning glories thrive and produce an abundance of beautiful blooms.

In summary, morning glories are a versatile and attractive choice for east facing planters. Their stunning flowers, minimal care requirements, and ability to add visual interest make them a popular option for gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. Whether you want to create a colorful display or add height and structure to your garden, morning glories are the perfect choice for your east facing planters.

Source Links

• https://www.almanac.com/plant/morning-glories
• https://www.cbc.ca/life/home/everything-you-need-to-know-about-climbing-plants-and-how-to-choose-them-1.5736101
• https://georgiawildlife.com/out-my-backdoor-misunderstood-morning-glories