Jennys Garden

Comments:  Ipomoea lobata  or Exotic Love Vine or Firecracker Vine or Spanish Flag or Mina lobata or Ipomoea versicolor or Quamoclit lobata is a annual climbing plant with a vigorous vining growth habit.   It is a native of central and South America and Mexico.  From Summer to frost, Ipomoea lobata produces long stems of multicolored flowers that changes color as the blooms enlarge, starting from red to orange to yellow and finally ages to white.  Exotic Love Vine is long blooming and hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, especially the Sulphur butterflies are magnetized by the nectar-rich blossoms.   The foliage are very much like those of a potato vine.  Firecracker Vine is easily propagated from seeds.  It performs best in well-drained acidic or alkaline soil in a sunny environment.  Spanish Flag is low maintenance.  It loves heat and humidity.   Mina lobata makes a living fence.  Allow it to climb freely up a trellis or arbor for an exquisite display.  Ipomoea versicolor looks dramatic in hanging baskets as vine cascade down the sides of it.  It self sows readily.  Quamoclit lobata is popularly cultivated as an ornamental beauty.  It brightens up the Summer and Fall garden.  Ipomoea lobata is a terrific show stopper and it easily starts a conversation.