| Can you give me some information on the Imperial Japanese morning glory? All I have heard is that it has large flowers and it is rare. |
| The most popular morning glory in Japan is Ipomoea Nil (Japanese morning glory). They are called "ASAGAO" in Japanese, and it mean morning face. Ipomoea Nil were introduced from China in the 7th century. The original flowers were small and blue, and their seeds were used as a laxative. The first mutation was a white flower. Many mutations ocured after the 17th century. Now, Japanese morning glories has a large number of mutations. "Sun smile" is dwarf type morning glory. They has very short vine and variegated leaves. So, we can enjoy them like a marigold or vinca in the garden. "Kikyou" means a Chinese bellflower and the small blooms stay open for two days. "Youjiro" type is hibrid between Ipomoea Nil and I. Purpurea. Their white pinwheel and picotee pattern is beautiful. They are strong and good for a fence or a lattice. "Beni-chidori" is miniature type morning glory. Japanese people love these miniature flowers. "Botan" means a tree peony in English. Their stamens and pistil change to petals. So, "Botan" is seedless morning glory. Hope this answers your question! |
