Quick Guide: summer, half-hardy, full sun, height: 2.4m/8ft, width: 30cm/12in

Ipomoea tricolor is popularly known as morning glory, because its flowers open in the morning sunshine but fade by the end of the afternoon. A perennial grown as an annual, this climbing plant needs the support of netting or twiggy sticks for its twining stems. The funnel-shaped blooms are blue and white, up to 12.5cm/5in across.

GROWING Set out young plants in late spring or early summer after all danger of frost is past. Light but fertile soil is best, in a position sheltered from wind. Dead-head regularly and discard the plants after flowering is over.

PROPAGATION Sow seeds in spring under protection at 15°C/60°F, placing two seeds to a 9cm/3 1/2in pot. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting to assist germination. Harden off the seedlings before transferring them to the permanent site. Alternatively, sow seeds where they are to grow in early summer.

VARIETIES `Heavenly Blue' (above): large flowers of clear sky blue; `Sapphire Cross', purple-blue; `Flying Saucers', very large flowers, blue and white striped.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Aphids on young shoots; night frost distorts young leaves.