Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Ipomoea alba L.

Frost tender, twining perennial usually grown as an annual, with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped white flowers opening at dusk in summer to autumn.  To 5m.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Native of the West-Indies, where it grows to a very great length, trailing its branches along the ground and climbing lofty trees.  It is an annual of very rapid growth, but does not readily flower.  Linnaeus remarks, that in the garden of Mr. Clifford, it grew from the seed to the length of twelve feet in about eight weeks, but produced no blossoms.  Introduced to this country by John, Earl of Bute, in 1773.’  [BM t.752/1804].  Ipomoea latifolia was figured in the Botanical Register [BR f.8891825]. Ipomoea magnifica was figured in the Floricultural Cabinet, raised from seed sent from India.  [FC p.267/1838].

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1843 catalogue.

Notes

Ipomoea bona-nox Heyne ex Steud. (1840) = Ipomoea grandiflora Roxb.

Published Oct 05, 2009 - 01:31 PM | Last updated Jul 16, 2010 - 03:28 PM

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Illustrated are heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped white flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.752, 1804.

Ipomoea alba L. | BM t.752/1804 | BHL

Family Convolvulaceae
Category
Region of origin

Tropical regions
Synonyms
  • Ipomoea bona-nox L.
  • Ipomoea latifolia Lindl.
  • Convolvulus aculeatus var. bona-nox (L.) Kuntze
  • Calonyction bona-nox (L.) Bojer
  • Ipomoea magnifica Hallier f.
Common Name

Belle de nuit, Good-night, Moonflower, Moonvine
Name in the Camden Park Record

Ipomoea Bona nox 
Confidence level high