Origin
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz, commonly known as Pedicellate morning glory, is native to the western United States, particularly California and Oregon. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, which includes around 60 genera and over 1,650 species of flowering plants.
Common Names
Pedicellate morning glory is known by several other common names, including Soft-leaved morning glory, Coast Range morning glory, and Malacophylla morning glory.
Uses
While it does not have any significant medicinal or commercial uses, Pedicellate morning glory is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its attractive flowers and foliage make it a popular choice for landscaping and garden decoration. It can thrive in various soil types and hardiness zones, making it a versatile and low-maintenance plant option.
General Appearance
Pedicellate morning glory is a perennial herbaceous vine with a thin and twining stem that can reach up to 10 feet in length. Its soft-textured leaves are usually oval or heart-shaped and can grow up to 5 inches long. The plant produces showy and funnel-shaped flowers with a soft pink or white hue that bloom during spring and summer. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter and have a long tubular base with five broad lobes. Pedicellate morning glory's fruit is a capsule, which splits open longitudinally to reveal several brownish seeds.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz, commonly known as chaparral bindweed, is a flowering perennial plant native to the coastal regions of California. The plant typically grows in dry habitats such as chaparral, scrub, and open forests.
Light Requirements
Chaparral bindweed thrives in bright sunlight and requires at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure each day. The plant can also tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade may stunt its growth and reduce flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to the warm, dry climate of California. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 60-85°F (16-29°C) and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F (-1°C) and as high as 100°F (38°C). In areas with cold winters, the aboveground portion of the plant may die back, but it will resprout from the roots in spring.
Soil Requirements
Chaparral bindweed grows best in well-draining soil with good aeration and a pH range of 5.0-7.5. The plant is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can survive in rocky or sandy soils that are low in organic matter. It is important to avoid overwatering as the plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist.
Cultivation Methods
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz is best grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in fall or spring in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which can take several weeks.
Cuttings can be taken from the parent plant in late spring or early summer and should be rooted in a well-draining potting mix. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into the ground.
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz is a relatively easy plant to grow and maintain.
Watering Needs
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz prefers moderate watering; therefore, the soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Make sure to avoid frequent watering, which can cause root rot. Watering once every seven to ten days is sufficient.
Fertilization
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz does not require heavy fertilization. Adding a balanced fertilizer once every few months during the growing season is sufficient to maintain its health and growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning will help maintain the size and shape of the plant. Prune the plant in the late winter before the growth season commences. Be sure to keep the pruning shears clean to avoid transmitting infection to the plant. Remove all dead and diseased branches, making sure to cut above the node.
Propagation of Calystegia malacophylla ssp. pedicellata
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. pedicellata is commonly referred to as the "chaparral bindweed" due to its origin and typical growing conditions. This plant species is native to mountainous regions in California and can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The recommended time for seed propagation for Calystegia malacophylla ssp. pedicellata is in the fall. The seed should be collected before it is fully mature, as the mature seed coat is tough and may inhibit germination. It is important to scarify the seed coat before planting to increase the probability of germination.
Plant the seed in well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. Water the seed regularly, but do not oversaturate the soil. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned accordingly.
Cutting Propagation
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. pedicellata can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time for cutting is in the spring when the plant is actively growing, particularly in the early morning. Choose healthy stems for cuttings, making sure that each one is at least 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder, and then plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and place the container in a shaded area. Roots should develop within 2-3 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location when it is large enough to handle.
Disease Management
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz is a relatively healthy plant, and diseases affecting it are rare. However, it can still be vulnerable to some diseases, which include:
- Viral Diseases
- Fungal Diseases
There are limited fungicides that are available to homeowners for the control of fungal diseases. However, you can still manage these diseases by taking some preventive measures, including:
- Cleaning and removing infected plant debris
- Fertilizing and watering appropriately
- Providing proper air circulation around the plant
- Planting the Calystegia malacophylla in well-draining soil
Pest Management
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. pedicellata (Jepson) Munz may also be subjected to pests such as:
- Spider Mites
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
The best way of dealing with these pests is to use integrated pest management, which involves combining different pest control methods to manage the pest population without causing any harm to the environment or the plant. Some of the integrated pest management methods that you can use include:
- Handpicking the pests off the plant
- Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap
- Encouraging natural predators to feed on the pests
- Applying neem oil to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions
