Moon Flowers

I have always been attracted to moon flowers, perhaps because the blossoms remind me (a bit) of gardenias, a flower always blooming in my front yard when I was a child. There is something graceful about moon flowers. The white petals croon serenity. A close relative, not of gardenias, but of the morning glory, the moon flower grows on a graceful vine and blooms at night. They open in the evening to be pollinated by night-flying moths, and are white because moths are attracted to that color. Maybe if I could be a blossom, I'd choose to be a moon flower.

Once, I planted moon flower seeds--they always sprout quickly--and one of the plants lived. I had overlooked it until the huge white flower appeared one evening, and I was overwhelmed by its beauty. Many times since then, I have planted moon flowers, but have had no success. The seeds would sprout and then the plants would quickly die. I decided to try again this year, and I've met with quite a bit of success. Every single seed sprouted, and so far not one of the plants has died. I am excited, and greatly looking forward to when these lovely vines bloom.

The photo above is one I found on the Internet. When my moon flowers bloom, you can bet I'll take pictures.