• Ipomoea luteola is a rare, heirloom morning glory vine with bright reddish orange, trumpet-like flowers with yellow centers. An ornamental plant, Ipomoea luteola is one of nearly 500 species of the genus Ipomoea, found in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a climbing vine that can be easily trained to climb and cover a fence or trellis. Ipomoea luteola is especially striking because of its flower's color and its petite size, in comparison with other morning glory vines.
  
  

Names for Ipomoea Luteola

• Ipomoea luteola is better known as scarlet creeper, named for its distinctive red flowers and its winding vines. It is also called star morning glory, red trumpet creeper or hearts-and-honey vine. Ipomoea luteola also has the scientific names Ipomoea hederifolia var. luteola and Ipomoea coccinea var. luteola.
  
  

Characteristics

• The Ipomoea luteola's seeds are poisonous. This particular species, luteola, is from the family Convolvulaceae. It is an annual, with tiny, heart-shaped, dark green leaves. Its diminutive scarlet blooms are funnel-shaped, with yellow centers. Hummingbirds are drawn to this frost-tender plant.
  
  

Propagation

• Ipomoea luteola is easy to grow outside, needing only fairly fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. Nick or scrape the seeds with a knife or sandpaper. Soak overnight, up to 24 hours before planting after the last frost date. Bury the seeds 1/4 inch deep. If planting indoors, plant them four weeks early.
  
  

Related Morning Glories

• Other species of Ipomoea are Ipomoea batatas, or sweet potato, a South American perennial that forms edible tubers. Ipomoea aquatica, or water spinach, is also edible and used in stir-fries throughout eastern Asia.