Moonflowers not opening

Planted Moonflowers from seed in May here in South Central Ky. Finally started getting blooms this week (Sept 23rd) but the first four appeared just about ready to open and then withered within an hour or two. Finally had one open this evening but missed it's debut. Why are the others shriveling before they open?

Are they geting lots of water? Paul

We have had drought conditions during the summer but watered throughly each week. Leaves are large, healthy looking and a deep green. Not showing any signs of water deprivation. Will start watering lightly on a daily basis and see if that helps.

are they white ?

Yes. Just before they shrivel, they are large white spherical bulbous buds with green ribs spiraling from the stem to the tip of the bulb. Just before they shrivel, they appear as if they will burst open at any moment. Also have numerous tiny black ants but made the assumption that like peonies, they were necessary for this plant. The one that opened yesterday was a very large (almost hibiscus size) and also had the tiny black ants on the inside. Thanks for your help.

i also grew moon flowers this year. they did not do too well at first and some of the blooms did like yours. when they got older they are doing wonderful. they are full of blooms every night. i do not have ants on mine. i also water them every day because they are in containers. mabey yours need to be older, but i think you need to get rid of the ants.

To phicks and jellylady:
Thanks again for your help but especially urging patience! For the last several weeks we have had one or two flowers open beautifully. This morning we awoke to a gorgeous display of eight wonderful flowers greeting us as we stepped out on the veranda to enjoy the morning. We have never been able to see them as they open. We continually check every evening and catch them in various stages and sit for what seems like hours. I remember years ago my first experience with this awesome plant was walking by a fence row and being startled as they literally "popped" as they unwound. I'm wondering if there are different varieties.

i tthink there's only one.
With practice you get better at timing the bloom, and it helps to have ight to watch for in one night. I had a few shrivel too, but many opened OK. Love them

yes there are 2 diff white ones ones called Alba the other am not sure about except one has brown seeds one has black theres also a lavender one to that i grow it opens very early eveings and stays open till around nine or ten am paul

Never heard of the lavender!! Good scent too?

None

boo. I'll stick with white and scent.

Don't forget to cut off most of the dead flowers so they don't go to seed, as this gives the plants more energy to keep producing flower buds. Be sure to allow 1 or 2 seed pods to develop so you can collect the seeds for next year. I just had to cut my moonflowers down as our growing season is now done (booboo lip sticking out) but I hope you enjoy yours. Today it was only in the 40's. I had to break out the winter coat yesterday. BOO!!

My moonflowers got hit by the light frost last night. They must be one of the more sensitive things I have.