Morning Glories: I. carnea and I. carnea ssp. fistulosa: Differences? , 1 by ApopkaJohn

ApopkaJohn wrote:
The Bush morning glory was a first for me this year. Got a few cuttings from a trade, but I think they will grow from seed also. In spring they struggled because of the beatles and shield bugs tried to suck the life out of them. I tried some d-syston but that didn't scare them away, so everyday I would hand-pick the bugs off. Then all of a sudden in July the small black ants found the plants and immediately there were no more bugs, just a few ants running up and down the stems. No aphids either, because the ants are looking for some nectar probably oozing from the young buds. I just checked today and the ants are still there at the tips, standing-guard over the plants. The blooms started after 2' and now the stalks are 5' and are full of blooms and buds. Blooms are a truly feminine pink. Each Bloom lasts one day. I grew them in 10 gallon pots and also moved a couple plants to the sandy soil where they are not-so-happy. Possibly NOT a strong root system? No seeds forming yet, but maybe when the cool weather comes they will set some. Next year I will pinch the stems early and predict a more bushy habit. This is the pic from late July with some of the first blooms.