Origin
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt is a plant species native to the California Floristic Province in the west of the United States. It can be found in regions such as the South Cascades, Tehachapi Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Common Names
This species is commonly known as Malacophylla soft-leaved morning glory, or simply, Berry's morning glory.
Uses
The Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt has no known important commercial or medicinal use. However, it is essential to the ecosystems it occupies for its ability to stabilize the soil, and its leaves act as lamb's food.
General Appearance
The Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 m (6 1/2 ft) long, with stems that can climb or trail along the ground. Its leaves are triangularly shaped with pointed tips, soft and hairy, and grow to a maximum size of about 10 cm (4 in) long and 8 cm (3 in) wide. The flowers are white or pale pink, trumpet-shaped, and 2-4 cm (1-2 in) long, with five distinct lobes at the end of their narrow tubes. Each bloom lasts for 1-2 days and opens in the morning and dies in the afternoon. The plant's fruit is a hard, round capsule containing four viable seeds.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia Malacophylla var. Berryi
Light Requirements: Calystegia Malacophylla var. Berryi thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. As a result, it is crucial to plant the species in an area with plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature: This plant species grows well in warm weather. Typically, temperatures between 70°F and 90°F are ideal for optimal growth rates. In colder weather, it can go dormant or even die. Therefore, Calystegia Malacophylla var. Berryi is best suited for planting in areas with warmer climates.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. This species typically does not grow well in heavy clay soils. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can increase soil fertility and reduce soil compaction, which promotes plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt is a native plant in California. It is ideal to grow this plant in well-drained soil. It requires full sun to partial shade. It grows well in sandy soil, but it can also grow in clay soil. The plant needs adequate space to grow and spread. Planting multiple Calystegia malacophylla plants can create an attractive display.
Watering Needs for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt requires medium to low watering. It can survive on natural rainfall alone, but it requires additional watering during the dry season. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can damage the plant. The soil should be moderately moist but not waterlogged. Check soil moisture regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
Fertilization for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt does not require much fertilization. If necessary, add compost or a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilization can be done annually or biannually. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant.
Pruning for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. malacophylla var. berryi (Eastw.) Brummitt requires minimal pruning. The plant can become invasive if not pruned regularly. Cut back the plant periodically to control its spread and maintain its shape. Prune the plant after it has finished blooming to avoid interfering with the next bloom cycle. Remove any dead or damaged stems and blooms promptly.
Propagation of Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi, commonly known as Berry's morning glory, can be propagated through a number of methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi is through seed germination. The best time to sow the seeds is in the early spring, after the last frost. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil, after properly preparing the soil bed. The soil bed should be loose, well-draining with compost or any organic matter added to it, and the seeds should be sown 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
Propagation through Cuttings
Another method of propagating Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi is through cuttings. Take a 3 to 4 inches long cutting from an established plant, and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist, and the temperature should not drop below 60°F to encourage root growth. After a few weeks, the cutting will start to develop roots, and a new plant will begin to grow.
Propagation through Division
A mature Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi plant can be divided into smaller plantlets, for propagating it. This method is particularly useful for established plants that have become too large for their current location. Carefully dig up the plant, and divide it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or a spade, making sure each section has roots and ample shoots. Re-plant each section into the soil by keeping them 8-10 inches apart in a well-draining soil bed.
Disease Management
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi is relatively disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, it is recommended to keep the plant foliage dry by providing adequate spacing between the plants and watering them at the base. Remove any infected plant parts immediately to prevent further spread. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can be used as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. malacophylla var. berryi is generally resistant to pests. However, it can be occasionally attacked by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging the presence of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings in the garden can also help control these pests. Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of pests and immediately removing them can prevent further infestations.
