Moonflower
Ipomoea alba
Family: Convolvulaceae · Also called Tropical White Morning Glory, Moon Vine, Belle de Nuit, Calonyction muricatum, Convolvulus smilacifolius, Calonyction speciosum var. muricatum
Heady & Exotic · Summer bloomer
The moonflower is a flower of twilight, large, pure white, heart-shaped blooms that unfurl at dusk and glow in the moonlight, attracting sphinx moths with their sweet fragrance. The opening itself is a mesmerizing event: the tightly furled bud spirals open over the course of a minute, as if a time-lapse is playing in real life. By morning, the flowers close and wilt.
dreaming, night, tender love, mystery
In the Victorian language of flowers, moonflower means “Dreams and tender love revealed in darkness”. Moonflowers are the nocturnal counterpart to morning glories (same genus). They open at dusk with a visible unfurling that takes about a minute, one of the few botanical events you can watch in real time. Planted together with morning glories, they create a 24-hour flower show.
Did You Know?
You can actually watch a moonflower open, the entire process takes about 60 seconds and happens every evening at dusk. The flowers glow faintly in moonlight due to their highly reflective white pigments, making them visible to their pollinator, the sphinx moth.
Tropical and subtropical forests, climbing through trees and over structures
Moonflower is native to Tropical Americas. It naturally grows in tropical and subtropical forests, climbing through trees and over structures.
Scent Profile
“A sweet, almond-jasmine fragrance with powdery undertones, released only at night when the luminous white flowers unfurl.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameIpomoea alba
- FamilyConvolvulaceae
- Native ToTropical Americas
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanAnnual
Cultural Significance
Moonflowers are the nocturnal counterpart to morning glories (same genus). They open at dusk with a visible unfurling that takes about a minute, one of the few botanical events you can watch in real time. Planted together with morning glories, they create a 24-hour flower show.