Origin
Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brummitt ssp. amplissima Brummitt, also known as island morning glory, is a climbing perennial plant species that is native to the western coastal regions of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which comprises around 60 genera and 1,650 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees.
Common Names
Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima is commonly known as island morning glory, Catalina morning glory, or California morning glory. It is also referred to by its Spanish name, correhuela, or other aliases such as beach morning glory and chaparral morning glory.
Uses
Traditionally, the Chumash and Tongva native tribes used the milky sap of island morning glory to treat various ailments such as snakebites, toothaches, and skin infections. They also used the plant's roots to create a poultice for burns, bruises, and other injuries. Nowadays, Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive white or pink funnel-shaped flowers and its ability to grow in diverse habitats, including coastal bluffs, chaparral, and oak woodland. It is a popular choice for erosion control and is often used to cover slopes and prevent landslides.
General Appearance
Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima is a perennial plant that grows up to 10-12 feet long and spreads through rhizomes. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are 1-4 inches long and 1-3 inches wide, which help the plant retain moisture in arid conditions. The flowers of the island morning glory are showy and trumpet-shaped, measuring 2-3 inches in diameter, and come in shades of white or pink. The plant blooms from May to October and produces round, brown fruit that contains the seeds.
Light Requirements
Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima requires full sun exposure to partial shade. It grows well in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained soil with rich organic matter. It can grow in many different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. However, it prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH range 6-7).
Temperature Requirements
Calystegia macrostegia ssp. amplissima is native to California and prefers a Mediterranean climate. It grows well in areas with warm summers and mild winters. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-85°F (15.5-29.5°C). It can tolerate some frost but does not grow well in areas that experience harsh winters.
Cultivation
Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brummitt ssp. amplissima Brummitt is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows best in areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as the coast of California. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as it is well-draining.
The plant prefers full sunlight or partial shade and grows well under these conditions. It is not suitable for growing indoors as it requires natural light and air circulation to thrive.
Watering Needs
Calystegia macrostegia needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. However, the plant is quite drought-tolerant, so you do not need to water it excessively.
It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than frequent shallow watering. This will encourage the plant's roots to go deeper, making the plant more resilient to drought.
Fertilization
Calystegia macrostegia does not require heavy feeding, but you can fertilize it once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Apply fertilizer in the spring, just before new growth appears. Fertilize lightly to avoid overfeeding, which can cause the plant to produce more foliage and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Calystegia macrostegia does not require extensive pruning, but it is important to remove the dead and damaged parts of the plant regularly. You can also trim the plant to control its size and shape, although it is not necessary to do this regularly.
When pruning, use clean and sharp gardening tools to avoid injuring the plant. Prune the plant just before the growing season so that it can give rise to new growth when the weather starts to warm up.
Propagation of Calystegia macrostegia
Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brummitt ssp. amplissima Brummitt, commonly known as the Island morning glory, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a native plant to California, specifically in the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. Propagation of this plant can be done in various ways.
Seed propagation
One method of propagating Calystegia macrostegia is through seed. The plant produces seeds that can be collected during the flowering season. The seeds are small, round, and very hard, which makes them challenging to germinate. Scarification of the seeds can be done by scratching the surface using sandpaper or soaking them in hot water overnight. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix in pots or seed trays. The soil medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take 14-21 days.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagating Calystegia macrostegia is through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a soilless medium. The cuttings should be watered, and a plastic cover should be placed over them to create a humid environment. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Division propagation
Propagation of Calystegia macrostegia can also be done by dividing the plant. This method is best done during the dormant season. The plant can be lifted and divided into smaller clumps. Care should be taken not to injure the delicate roots. The smaller clumps can be potted or planted in the ground at the same depth as the original plant. The soil should be kept moist until the plants are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brummitt ssp. amplissima Brummitt
Calystegia macrostegia (Greene) Brummitt ssp. amplissima Brummitt, also known as the Island false bindweed, is a native perennial plant found along the coasts of California and Oregon. While it is generally healthy and resistant to disease, there are a few pests and diseases that can affect the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Calystegia macrostegia is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that creates a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, prune away infected foliage, provide good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, apply a fungicide to prevent further infection.
Rust is another disease that may affect Calystegia macrostegia. Rust appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in humid conditions. To manage rust, remove infected parts of the plant and dispose of them immediately. Avoid overhead watering, and treat the plant with a fungicide designed to manage rust.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Calystegia macrostegia is spider mites. These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration and damage to leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, prune away infected foliage, and apply a miticide to eliminate the pests.
Aphids are another pest that may attack Calystegia macrostegia. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap and secrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew that attracts other pests like ants. To manage aphids, remove them by hand, increase the humidity around the plant, and apply a pesticide designed to manage aphids.
Preventative Measures
The best way to manage pests and diseases on Calystegia macrostegia is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved through good plant maintenance practices, such as providing adequate water and fertilizer, planting in well-drained soil, and pruning away dead or diseased foliage. Additionally, avoid planting Calystegia macrostegia near other infected plants and regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests or disease.
By following these disease and pest management practices, gardeners can ensure that Calystegia macrostegia thrives in their gardens for years to come.
