Higo Asagao (Higo Morning Glory)

What are the characteristics of Higo morning glory?

How is it different from other morning glories?

A large pure white flower tube Shiny petals The flower is 10 to 15 cm in diameter, and the petals are 6 to 10 yo (radial borders) Many folds, and the central tube is large and clear white.

What color are the flowers?

They are colorful, and can also have stripes and ikat patterns

Black, Purple, Red, Pink, Brown, Blue, White, Suhama

The leaves are 'Suhama' leaves, with white spots on a green leaf.

How many varieties are there? About 30 varieties

Small bowl with one vine
(Bonyo Gyogi growing style)

Elegant flowers, stems, and leaves
Overall appearance
Care and grow one pot at a time
We will train them to bloom on the day of the exhibition!
First flower
Bloom to the height of the pot (around 12cm)
Glaze-fired small bowl (custom-made products such as Shohdai-yaki in Kumamoto)
Diameter and height are 12cm
Unique training!
Elegant flowers, stems, and leaves
Overall appearance
Height
About 3 times the height of the pot (around 50cm)
How to view? Sit upright on a tatami mat!

History of Higo Morning Glory

Morning glories were introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710 - 794AD) for medicinal purposes.

During the Edo period, it developed into a representative garden of Kumamoto, encouraged by successive feudal lords of Higo, feudal retainers and volunteers.

1899: Higo Morning Glory Ryoka-kai was founded with 48 members.

1940: Ryoka-kai membership reaches 180. Records of the association ceased during the war.

1945: WW2 Great Kumamoto air raid. Thought to be extinct.

1953: Great Kumamoto flood: Ms. Tokunaga Sueko was the only one who protected the seeds and continued to cultivate them, allowing Higo morning glory to survive.

1961: Higo Morning Glory Ryoka-kai is revived.

1999: Ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Higo Morning Glory. 2013: Exhibition by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at Kumamoto Castle.

Let's view Higo morning glories!

Blooms from July to September in Kumamoto, Japan!

A feast of beautiful flowers!!

2023 Exhibition View in the morning! Around 10-am is the best time!

Suizenji Jojuen Garden 9:00-12:00

Kokin Denju Room: Potluck July 2nd (first Sunday of July every year)

Autumn Exhibition September 1st (Fri)-3rd (Sun)

Rokka Exhibition Hall: July Special Exhibition July 3rd (Mon)-5th (Wed)

September Special Exhibition Early September

Kumamoto Castle, in front of the castle tower:

July 1st (Sat), 2nd (Sun), 8th (Sat), 9th (Sun)

Ninomaru Rest Area: July 1st (Sat)-9th (Sun)

Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza: July 1st (Sat)-9th (Sun)

Koraimon Morning Glory Market: July 8th (Sat)-9th (Sun)

*Exhibition dates and times are subject to change. Please check with each venue for detailed information.

Let's protect the pure Higo species!

The unique seeds vary in color and size depending on the variety.

Seeds are not for sale. Members carefully protect these precious seeds.

Higo Morning Glory Ryoka Association

Now recruiting members! Creating graceful flowers with care.

Preserving and cultivating flowers

June: Cultivation workshop,

July, August, September: Exhibition

*About 60 members *As of June 2023

Reference : Kumamoto City Green Meister Team Ladybug.

Kumamoto Castle (Official) photo gallery

Higo Bank , Higo Rokka web site.

Special thanks for Mr. Yamaguchi, for pictures from Kumamoto Museum