Supporting Your Morning Glories: How to Build a Trellis for a Beautiful Bloom
Morning glories are natural climbers, but without a structure to climb on, their vines will quickly become a tangled mess on the ground. Providing the right support not only keeps your plants tidy but also ensures they get the sunlight and air circulation they need to produce a stunning display of flowers.
This guide will show you how to easily set up a trellis for your morning glory, with a special focus on container-grown plants.
The Two Best Support Options
For home gardeners, simple and effective support systems work best. The key is to install the support when the plant is still young, before the vines start to wander.
Method 1: The Simple Trellis
This is a classic choice that works well for both in-ground and potted morning glories.
- Materials: A wood or metal trellis, or a small section of garden lattice.
- How to Install: Place the trellis in the pot when you first plant the morning glory seed or seedling. If the pot is against a wall or railing, you can tie the trellis to it for extra stability. This ensures the roots are not disturbed later. As the plant grows, its tendrils will naturally grab onto the trellis. You may need to gently guide the first few vines to get them started.

Morning Glories
Method 2: Twine or Netting
This is a great, low-cost option for covering a large surface area, like a balcony railing or a fence.
- Materials: Garden twine, wire, or a sheet of plastic netting.
- How to Install: Secure the twine or netting to a support structure. For a balcony, you can tie it to the top and bottom railings. For a fence, you can secure it with staples or hooks. Plant your morning glories at the base of the structure and the vines will quickly grow to cover it, creating a beautiful “living wall.”
The Perfect Match: Pot and Trellis
When you’re growing morning glories in a pot, the support system has a unique and important role. It must be able to stand on its own in the pot without toppling over as the vine grows.
- Go Big: Choose a trellis that is a good match for your pot size. A large, heavy pot (at least 15-20 gallons) can support a larger trellis, while a smaller pot should be paired with a lighter, smaller trellis or a simple bamboo stake.
- Installation: For a potted plant, always anchor the trellis directly in the soil. Make sure the legs or base of the trellis are pushed firmly into the potting mix to prevent it from becoming unstable as the vine adds weight.
By installing a simple support system early, you’re not just helping your morning glory climb—you’re ensuring it stays healthy, gets the sun it needs, and produces a season-long show of beautiful blooms.
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