I could get very addicted to growing morning glories

I've just managed to get one to grow this year for the first time. But it's infested with aphids. I'm wiping them off every couple of days.
Is there a variety or species that is relatively aphid resistant?

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know much about aphid resistance in these vines. Generally, I let the pests alone on my vines, unless they are really out of control like what I had with my mite situation earlier in the summer (I sprayed a Safer's Soap-like product on the leaves then). The ladybird beetles have since taken care of the rest of the pests. Do you see these and other beneficial insects in your garden?

Joseph

I had a few aphids on my Heavenly Blue vines early in the season, but the infestations were so minor I was able to remove them myself. Purpurea and nil varieties have hairs covering the vines and new growth; to aphids these must seem like huge sharp spikes and they left these vines alone. My nil vines had mites early on, but something took care of the problem. All of my vines now have praying mantises and spiders living on them, so pest control is taken care of. Long lasting toxic chemicals are bad for beneficial insects, birds, lizards, frogs, other wildlife, and pets so they should be avoided. If the situation is such that an insecticide is absolutely necessary, Safer Soap, neem oil, or another natural pesticide that is biodegradable within a short time should be used.

Thank you kindly. Will try purpurea & nil. And probably this:
http://www.barbadine.com/pages/stictocardia_lien.htm

I can honestly say that I have never had aphids kill any of my plants. They might make them look rather pathetic for a short while, but I agree with others here that something (aphid predator) gets those sap suckers sooner or later and then my plants recover nicely after that! Neem oil soap works well too!

I have terrible problems with aphids in East-Texas
those who do not have to deal with these monsters are very lucky


Here are a couple of Bayer products that I use that works

Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Dual-Action-Rose-Flower-Insect-Killer/rtu.html

3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control Concentrate
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/3-in-1-Insect-Disease-and-Mite-Control/concentrate.html


I use this product faithfully with every new seedling I plant
2-in-1 Systemic Rose & Flower Care Granules
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/2-in-1-Systemic-Rose-Flower-Care/granules.html


MORE INFORMATION
Hibiscus aphid control
with some great information on this little monsters
http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/aphids.htm

Emma

I love butterflies, bees, and hummers, so I just have to put my two cents in ...

Please be aware that many of these products may be harmful to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. I contacted Bayer about their products and they told me that if I was encouraging insects and birds to feed on the leaves (caterpillars) and from the nectar in the blooms (butterflies, bees, and hummers), that they did not recommend their systemic products. You won't find hummingbirds, butterflies, or bees dropping dead all over your yard from use of these products. They will most likely fly off to a wooded/sheltered area to die. I suspect that these products make them very sick and weak. I believe that it is a slow poisoning death. If Bayer themselves say not to use some of their products for that reason, then they know the effects it may have on our environment.

I agree beckygardener. Our environment, & ALL creatures in it should be more important than what our plants look like.

ants

I am trying a suggestion from another member here on the forum and so far I've been very delighted. I believe this suggestion came from Joseph (correct me if I am wrong!) ...

Compost mixed in with the soil seems to keep the vines happy and healthy and able fight off diseases and pests. Most pests won't destroy a vine, they just make it look less attractive. I will remove bugs to other areas if I find them on my MGs. :-)

Here is what I am using:

Topsoil (store bought)
Compost (store bought)
Neem cake (scatter some into the soil mix)
Peat (store bought)
and because I live in Florida and the sun bakes everything ...
Moisture Control Potting Mix (by MiracleGro)

I mix everything together and will also add old potting soil into the mix as well. Since I am using 5 gallon containers now, it takes quite a bit of this mix to fill each container. But ... my vines are very healthy and growing 3 - 6 inches each day. I just lost all my previous grow-out to rust fungus. That fungus shows up in my yard this time every year! It has not affected my new vines yet. No sign whatsoever of rust attacking these big, healthy leaves! I check every day! My biggest problem here in my area is rust fungus, not pests or other diseases. Rust destroys my vines in a matter of weeks. So I think Joseph is right. If the vines are healthy to begin with and are having their needs met, they will thrive despite disease and pests. I am amazed that my vines are so healthy right now during the worst of the season for rust.