15 Stunning Types Of Morning Glory And Their Elegant Lookalikes

The Morning Glory is a symbol of fleeting beauty and deep affection. With their iconic trumpet shape and heart-shaped leaves, these blooms wake up with the Singapore sun, offering a burst of colour that is both vibrant and delicate. 

However, the true Morning Glory is a shy flower that often struggles to last in a vase. In this guide, we explore the most stunning varieties you might see in nature and introduce you to sturdy, elegant lookalikes that florists use to create lasting bouquets with that same romantic charm.

The Classic Morning Glory Varieties (Ipomoea)

The classic Morning Glory belongs to the Ipomoea family. These flowers are famous for their funnel-like shape that opens wide to greet the morning light. While they are most often admired on the vine rather than in a cut flower arrangement, knowing the different types helps you appreciate the vast range of colours and textures this family offers. You can even consider them when creating your own flower arrangement if you so please. From the deep velvet purples to the rare chocolates, each variety has a unique personality.

1. Heavenly Blue (Ipomoea tricolor)

The Heavenly Blue is perhaps the most iconic image people conjure when they think of this flower. It features massive, azure-blue petals that are incredibly rare in the natural world. The colour is a cool, refreshing tone that looks like a piece of the clear morning sky has been captured in a bloom.

The visual appeal of the Heavenly Blue lies in its contrast. The deep sky-blue petals transition into a creamy white and bright yellow throat at the centre. 

This tri-colour effect gives the flower a depth that is mesmerising to look at. In a tropical setting like Singapore, seeing these blue delights is a refreshing visual break from the common reds and yellows of other tropical flora. They are the epitome of cheerful elegance and represent a calm start to the day.

2. Grandpa Ott (Ipomoea purpurea)

If the Heavenly Blue is the colour of the day sky, Grandpa Ott is the colour of royalty. This heritage variety is famous for its intense, deep purple colour that borders on velvety indigo. It is one of the oldest known varieties and holds a vintage charm that is hard to replicate.

Visually, these blooms are smaller than the Heavenly Blue but pack a punch with their saturation. The centre of the flower features a glowing ruby-red star that radiates outwards, creating a stunning jewel-toned effect. When viewed up close, the texture of the petals almost appears like fine silk or velvet. It is a flower that commands attention and evokes a sense of deep mystery and history.

3. Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)

The Moonflower is the romantic night-owl of the family. Unlike its cousins that greet the sun, the Moonflower blooms in the evening and stays open through the night, usually closing by noon the next day. This makes it a rare sight for early risers but a delight for those who enjoy the evening breeze.

These flowers are massive, often reaching up to 15cm across. They are pure, snowy white, which allows them to reflect moonlight and glow softly in the dark. Aside from their size and colour, they are cherished for their sweet fragrance, which is released to attract night-flying pollinators. While you cannot easily put them in a vase due to their nocturnal schedule, their aesthetic is one of pure, bridal elegance.

4. Scarlett O'Hara

Named after the fiery character from Gone with the Wind, this variety lives up to its moniker. The Scarlett O'Hara Morning Glory boasts rich, wine-red to magenta blooms. It is a bold departure from the typical blues and purples of the species, offering a warm, passionate hue.

The petals are solid and vibrant, usually without the stark white throat seen in other varieties, which gives the flower a monochromatic, seamless look. The texture is smooth, and the colour holds up well under the bright sun. For those who love warm tones in their floral appreciation, this variety adds a touch of drama and feminine power to the landscape.

5. Flying Saucers

This variety is the fun, whimsical sister of the Morning Glory family. Flying Saucers are distinct because of their unique patterns. No two flowers are exactly the same. They feature large, trumpet-shaped blooms that are streaked with blue and white, resembling a tie-dye pattern or the spinning motion of a saucer.

The white stripes cut through the blue (or sometimes purple) background, creating a dynamic sense of movement. It is a cheerful, playful variety that looks less formal than the solid-coloured types. The blooms are generally large and open very wide, maximising the visual impact of their stripes. They bring a sense of joy and artistic flair to any setting they inhabit.

6. Japanese Morning Glory (Ipomoea nil)

In Japan, the Morning Glory (known as Asagao) is culturally significant and has been bred into an art form. The Japanese Morning Glory is distinct from the common varieties due to its sheer size and intricate details. The blooms can be enormous, sometimes as large as a dinner plate.

What makes them truly special visually is the "picotee" edges—a thin margin of white around the coloured petals—and the occasional ruffled or fringed appearance. They come in a vast array of colours, including speckled greys, muted pinks, and deep indigos. They are often viewed as individual works of art rather than just a patch of colour, representing the transient nature of life in Asian culture.

7. Morning Glory 'Chocolate'

Brown is an incredibly unusual colour in the floral world, making the 'Chocolate' variety a rare gem for enthusiasts. Despite the name, the colour is more of a creamy, rose-brown or a dusty mauve that deepens towards the centre. It is sophisticated, understated, and very modern in its palette.

This variety appeals to those with a taste for antique or vintage aesthetics. The muted tone contrasts beautifully with the bright green heart-shaped leaves. It does not scream for attention like the Scarlett O'Hara but rather invites a closer look with its subtle, earthy elegance. It looks like a flower from a sepia-toned photograph come to life.

8. Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea x sloteri)

The Cardinal Climber is the rebel of the group because it looks nothing like a traditional Morning Glory. Instead of the wide, open-faced trumpet, it features small, narrow, tube-like flowers that are a brilliant, cardinal red.

The foliage is also distinct; instead of heart-shaped leaves, it has deeply cut, fern-like leaves that give it a delicate, lacy appearance. The flowers look like tiny red trumpets heralding an arrival. While small, their intense red colour makes them pop against the greenery. They offer a more structural, architectural look compared to the soft, floppy petals of the standard varieties.

9. Blue Star

As the name suggests, the Blue Star variety offers a celestial pattern that is simple yet striking. The flower is primarily a very pale blue or white, but it features a vivid, five-pointed star in a darker blue radiating from the throat to the petal edges.

This star pattern is naturally geometric and very pleasing to the eye. It creates a "flower within a flower" effect. The lighter background colour makes the flower appear fresh and airy, while the dark blue star adds definition. It is a cheerful variety that looks crisp and clean, perfect for a bright, sunny aesthetic.

10. Ivy-Leaved Morning Glory

This variety is identified as much by its leaves as its flowers. The leaves resemble English Ivy, with three or five lobes, rather than the standard heart shape. This gives the vine a different texture and visual weight.

The flowers themselves are typically smaller than the Ipomoea tricolor but are plentiful. They often appear in shades of blue, purple, or pink with a white throat. The combination of the ivy-like foliage and the delicate blooms gives this plant a wild, woodland fairy-tale appearance. It looks less cultivated and more natural, like something you might stumble upon in a secret garden.

The "Florist's Morning Glories": Lookalikes for Your Vase

As beautiful as the Ipomoea varieties are, they have a major flaw for flower lovers: they do not last in a vase. A true Morning Glory will wilt within hours of being cut. However, you can still achieve that elegant, trumpet-shaped aesthetic in your home. Professional florists in Singapore use specific "lookalike" flowers that mimic the beauty of a Morning Glory but possess the stamina to last for days in a bouquet or in a flower vase.

11. Lisianthus (The Elegant Alternative)

If you want the ruffled, romantic look of a Japanese Morning Glory in a bouquet, the Lisianthus is your best option. Often called the "poor man's rose," the single-petalled varieties of Lisianthus bear a striking resemblance to a Morning Glory.

They have delicate, twisting petals that open into a wide cup shape. Available in deep purples, creamy whites, and picotee (white with coloured edges) pinks, they mimic the colour range of Ipomoea perfectly. The main difference is their durability. A Lisianthus stem is sturdy and can last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care, making it a favourite for dining table arrangements.

12. Campanula (Bellflower)

For those who love the "Blue Star" or "Heavenly Blue" vibe, the Campanula is a fantastic substitute. Also known as Bellflowers, these blooms have the distinct open-cup or bell shape that defines the Morning Glory.

They are one of the few florist flowers that come in true blue and purple shades. While they are often smaller than the giant Heavenly Blue, they grow in clusters along the stem, providing a lush, full look. They bring a "wildflower meadow" feel to an arrangement, capturing that effortless, natural beauty that Morning Glories are famous for.

13. Petunia (The Potted Twin)

While Petunias are usually sold as potted plants rather than cut flowers, they are the closest visual twin to the Morning Glory. In fact, they are distant cousins in the plant world. They share the exact same trumpet shape and wide, open face.

Petunias come in every colour imaginable, including the stripes and stars seen in "Flying Saucers" and "Blue Star" Morning Glories. There are even "Galaxy" petunias that look like deep space. If you want to gift someone the Morning Glory aesthetic for their balcony or patio in Singapore, a lush pot of hanging Petunias is the perfect, long-lasting alternative.

14. Gloxinia

The Gloxinia is a stunning indoor plant that mimics the velvety texture of the "Grandpa Ott" or "Scarlett O'Hara" Morning Glories. The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and possess a rich, suede-like texture that screams luxury.

They often have ruffled edges and deep, saturated colours like purple, red, and blue, usually with a contrasting white throat. Unlike the climbing Morning Glory, Gloxinias grow in a neat rosette, making them perfect table centrepieces. They offer the bold, trumpet shape without the need for a trellis, and they thrive indoors away from direct midday heat.

15. Dwarf Morning Glory (Convolvulus tricolor)

If you simply must have the real thing but in a more manageable form, the Dwarf Morning Glory (or Bush Morning Glory) is a unique option. Unlike its climbing cousins, this plant forms a low mound.

The flowers are smaller but feature the classic tri-colour pattern: a yellow throat, a white ring, and a blue or purple edge. While they are still somewhat fragile as cut flowers, they are sturdier than the vining types. They are often used in floral baskets where the entire plant is included, allowing the recipient to enjoy the blooms for much longer than a cut stem would allow.

Conclusion On Types Of Morning Glory

The Morning Glory is a flower of contradictions; it is incredibly vibrant yet undeniably fleeting. From the azure depths of the Heavenly Blue to the night-time glow of the Moonflower, these varieties offer a spectacular show that captures the heart. However, because they are so fragile once cut, they are best enjoyed in the wild or the garden. 

For the home, opting for elegant lookalikes like Lisianthus or Campanula allows you to enjoy that same graceful, trumpet-shaped beauty in a bouquet that lasts. Whether you prefer the fleeting magic of the Ipomoea or the sturdy elegance of its floral twins, the charm of these blooms is timeless.

If you have any questions or want to order a bouquet of flowers that captures this elegance, please contact us. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of Morning Glory

What Is The Rarest Morning Glory?

While blue is considered a rare colour in the general flower world, within the Morning Glory family, the rarest varieties are often the brown or "chocolate" toned ones, such as the Ipomoea nil 'Chocolate'. Additionally, specific Japanese mutants known as "Changeable Morning Glories" (Asagao) which feature split petals or unique leaf shapes are considered very rare and are highly prized by collectors.

What Are The Different Colors Of Morning Glories?

Morning Glories come in a surprisingly vast spectrum of colours. The most common are shades of blue and purple. However, they also bloom in pink, magenta, red, white, and even chocolate brown. Many varieties are bi-coloured, featuring stripes (like the Flying Saucer) or a contrasting white throat (like the Heavenly Blue).

Is Morning Glory A Flower Or Weed?

It depends on the context and the species. The Ipomoea tricolor (Heavenly Blue) is a cultivated flower beloved by gardeners. However, its cousin, the Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), looks very similar but is considered a troublesome weed because it chokes other plants. In the tropical climate of Singapore, even cultivated Morning Glories can grow aggressively, so they are often contained in pots or specific areas.

Do Morning Glories Come Back Every Year?

In cooler climates, Morning Glories are annuals, meaning they die in winter and must be replanted from seed. However, in tropical climates like Singapore, they can act as tender perennials. This means the plant may continue to grow and bloom year-round or re-seed itself so vigorously that it appears to "come back" constantly without human intervention.

What Flower Looks Like A Morning Glory But Is A Bush?

The Bush Morning Glory (Ipomoea carnea) is a shrub that produces flowers identical to the vine version but grows on a woody bush structure. Another common lookalike is the Petunia, which grows in a mound or bush shape and has the same trumpet flower structure, making it a popular alternative for pots and planters.

Are Morning Glories Poisonous To Pets?

Yes, Morning Glories can be toxic to pets. The seeds, in particular, contain a chemical similar to LSD, which can cause hallucinations, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested by cats or dogs. It is best to keep these plants out of reach of curious pets or opt for non-toxic floral alternatives in your home.