Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace

This morning glory or Ipomoea batatas Illusion Midnight Lace is a frost-tender perennial plant with tubers, grown as an annual. It forms an elegant dome of very dark foliage, black with purple highlights, deeply divided into elongated lobes. This plant is ideal for hanging baskets and containers and is very unique as a ground cover. It will enhance bright or pastel colours. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil.

Ipomoea batatas is a plant from the family Convolvulaceae native to Central America and Pacific islands. In its country of origin, it is a climbing perennial plant that reaches a length of 1 to 3 m (3.3 - 9.8 ft). 'Illusion Midnight Lace' is a dwarf form, selected for its foliage and compact, spreading habit, of great ornamental value. This plant forms a round and dense clump, with a minimum height of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a diameter of 30 cm (11.8 in). The leaves are large, palmate, divided into five thin lobes, almost black with dark green and purple highlights. This plant does not flower and shows good tolerance to summer heat.

Ipomoea Illusion Midnight Lace is used in floral compositions, in pots, containers, or hanging baskets. Combine the black foliage with blue lobelias and bright pink pelargoniums. It will create original annual borders and ground covers, forming a lace-like backdrop for taller perennials. The foliage looks best when the plant is partially shaded in the afternoon.

Note: Please be aware that our young plants in mini pots are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in a sheltered location (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.