Wood Rose (Yellow Morning Glory)
Distimake tuberosus (formerly Merremia tuberosa) • Convolvulaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Flower / Vine
🌍 Origin Region
Tropical America and Caribbean; well-adapted to tropical regions worldwide (Hawaii, Florida, Pacific Islands)
📅 Days to Maturity
90-120 days from seed to bloom; typically blooms in late fall or winter in tropical areas as day lengths shorten.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; grown as a perennial in tropical areas, or as an annual in cooler zones though it rarely has time to seed before frost.
About This Seed
The 'seed' shown is actually a dried seed pod. It is a brown, papery, woody capsule approximately 1 inch in diameter, surrounded by persistent, petal-like sepals that resemble a dried rose. Inside the pod are 1-4 large, black, fuzzy (pubescent) seeds approximately 1cm long. The resulting plant is a vigorous perennial climber with deeply lobed, palm-like green leaves and bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Year-round in tropical climates; Spring planting in warm temperate zones (frost-sensitive)
Germination
Germination takes 14-30 days at 75-80°F. Seeds have a hard coat and benefit from scarification (nicking the seed coat) and soaking in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting.
Planting Instructions
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil. Space plants at least 3-5 feet apart as they are extremely vigorous climbers requiring a sturdy trellis or fence. pH 6.1 to 7.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun for best flowering (at least 6 hours). Moderate water needs; once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but prefers regular moisture in well-drained soil.
Companion Plants
Grows well with other tropical sun-lovers like Hibiscus or Bougainvillea, but use caution as it can easily overgrow and smother nearby plants. Avoid planting near slow-growing delicate shrubs.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for the 'dried flowers' (the pods) used in floral arrangements. It is a vigorous pollinator plant but can be invasive in tropical environments like Florida and Hawaii due to its rapid growth.