Ipomoea is not one plant but an entire world of them, encompassing more than 600 species ranging from the familiar morning glory to the sweet potato, the moonflower, and the cypress vine. What unites them is a restless, climbing energy and flowers that open each morning in shades of blue, lavender, purple, and pink, only to close again by evening as though conserving some private radiance. The name itself is telling: from the Greek ips, meaning "worm," and homoios, "resembling," a nod to the sinuous underground roots and the vine's own worm-like twining habit as it seeks something to grip.

Grown from seed, these vines demand a small ritual before planting: nick the hard seed coat and let it soak overnight in water, giving it the signal it needs to break dormancy. From there, progress is swift and sometimes overwhelming. Ipomoea tolerates poor soils and partial shade with equanimity, but it repays good conditions with a vigor that can quickly get ahead of the gardener. In warmer climates, self-seeding is enthusiastic, and some species appear on noxious weed lists in neighboring states, so deadheading spent flowers is wise. Give it a trellis, an arbor, or an old fence post, and it will do the rest.