Summer residents in several regions are not losing access to decorative gardening options despite restrictions on growing morning glory tricolor. Experts explain that there are many other ornamental species available to brighten plots, reducing concerns about landscape diversity. This perspective comes from Valentin Vvedensky, head of the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Plant Protection at RUDN University, who spoke to socialbites.ca. He also reminded readers that cultivation of poppy on private property is prohibited due to narcotic substances contained in the plant.
Vvedensky cautions that even the tricolor variant of the morning glory may raise safety questions. He notes that certain toxic substances have been detected in some Ipomoea tricolor specimens. He compares the risk to the harms associated with growing aconite, a plant historically used in poisoning narratives. He emphasizes that gardeners who enjoy beautiful blooms might not suffer significant losses if the tricolor variety is phased out, pointing to other color options such as white, lilac, blue, and yellow that are readily available in stores. He adds that the overall impact on the variety of flower beds or landscape design is unlikely to be substantial.
According to Vvedensky, the morning glory tricolor belongs to ornamental vines and is subject to criminal liability for cultivation in some cases. Ipomoea tricolor is described as a bindweed that thrives in southern regions but cannot withstand low winter temperatures. In central regions it typically survives only as an annual plant. It is commonly sold with seeds as an ornamental plant, but the plants’ regulatory status can lead to legal penalties even for routine gardening activities.
Earlier, State Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov stated that growing morning glory tricolor could lead to prison terms of up to two years. Possession and receipt of even small quantities of morning glory tricolor seeds is described as a criminal offense because the plant contains narcotic substances. The deputy warned that the once-popular multicolored garden flower Ipomoea tricolor is no longer permissible on private plots, and excessive bindweed growth could trigger legal action. His remarks reflect a broader shift in how ornamental plants are regulated in certain jurisdictions.
Gavrilov’s comments come amid broader enforcement trends concerning plant cultivation on private properties, including cases where law enforcement has acted against operations with medicinal or pharmaceutical aims in southern regions. The recent closures of private facilities associated with pharmaceutical activities have underscored the heightened scrutiny around plant-based materials and their potential uses. These developments have added an additional layer of concern for gardeners who value variety in their plots. [attribution: socialbites.ca, statements by Vvedensky and Gavrilov]