Clock Vine Fast Facts

Overview

Clock vine, also called sky vine, is a tropical vine from India. Large blue to purple flowers bloom from spring throughout the summer.

Description

The flowers of clock vine are similar to those of morning glory, but larger--as much as 3 inches across. The blooms range from light blue to light purple. Elongated leathery heart-shaped leaves form a lush background for the flowers. Clock vine grows vigorously.

Varieties

Augusta Blue clock vine has sky blue flowers, while Alba clock vine has pure white flowers. Variegata clock vine has cream and green leaves with blue flowers.

Uses

Train clock vine along a fence, on a trellis or over a pergola. Allow it to ramble around and through taller plants. Where the ground freezes, grow clock vine as a houseplant.

Culture

Clock vine is hardy in Zones 8 to 11. It is evergreen in frost free areas. The top of the vine will be killed by a freeze, but the plant will return in the spring. Grow clock vine in rich organic soil and keep it moderately moist. Where summers are hot, plant clock vine where it will receive afternoon shade. Prune clock vine regularly to maintain the desired size. Old stems may lose their vigor and need to be removed.

Considerations

Clock vine is considered an invasive plant in Hawaii and South Florida. Root knot nematode attacks clock vine.

Photo by: twoblueday/Flickr