Origin
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz originates in North America, specifically in California, where it is found in the coastal regions from Monterey to San Diego.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Woolly Morning Glory, Woolly False Bindweed, or Felt-leaved Morning Glory due to its woolly stem, leaves, and the morning glory-like flowers.
Uses
The Woolly Morning Glory is a beautiful ornamental plant that can be grown in gardens and landscapes. The delicate flowers are pale pink or white with a yellow center, and they bloom in the summer and fall. It has a deep-rooted system that can help stabilize the soil, making it useful in erosion control. Indigenous groups also used this plant for medicinal purposes to treat digestive problems and heart conditions.
General Appearance
The Woolly Morning Glory is a herbaceous perennial vine that grows up to 6 feet long. The leaves are heart-shaped, gray-green, and woolly, measuring 3-5 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, measuring 4-7 cm in diameter, and they bloom from June to October. They are usually pale pink or white, with a yellow center, and they are particularly fragrant in the early morning. The stems are densely hairy, woolly, and greenish-brown in color. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-draining soil and regular watering.
Light Requirements
The plant Calystegia malacophylla ssp. tomentella requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to California and is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the region. It thrives in warm temperatures and can tolerate a range of temperatures from 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C). However, extreme temperatures can cause damage to the plant. Temperatures below freezing can kill the plant and prolonged exposure to temperatures above 100°F (38°C) can cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Calystegia malacophylla ssp. tomentella prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Clay soil should be amended with sand or other coarse materials to improve drainage. The plant is drought tolerant and can survive in nutrient-poor soil, but benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz plant is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow, and it thrives in full sun. This plant prefers well-drained soil and can adapt to different types of soil. However, the soil should not be waterlogged. You should also plant it in an area where it can spread, as it can get quite large.
Watering Needs
The Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once every 10 to 14 days during the growing season. It is important to note that over-watering can cause root rot and other diseases, so you should avoid watering the plant excessively.
Fertilization
The Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz plant does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to provide the plant with nutrients for the growing season. Excessive fertilization can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning the Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz plant is not necessary as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, you can prune away any dead or damaged foliage in the early spring to promote new growth. The plant is known to be invasive, so if it is taking over other plants, you can cut back some of its stems to prevent it from spreading too much.
Propagation of Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz can be collected once they have matured and turned brown. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take up to several months.
It is important to note that Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz may not come true from seed. This means that the offspring may exhibit different characteristics than the parent plant.
Propagation by Cuttings
Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from young, green stems and should be about 4-6 inches long.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth appears. Once new growth has emerged, the cutting can be gradually acclimated to normal growing conditions.
Disease Management for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz
As with most plants, Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz can be susceptible to various diseases. One common disease that may affect this plant is powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove and destroy any infected leaves, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Applying a fungicide may also be helpful in severe cases.
Another disease that may affect Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz is rust, which is a fungal infection that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove and destroy any infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide as needed.
Pest Management for Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz
In addition to diseases, Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz may also be affected by pests. One common pest that may affect this plant is spider mites, which are tiny pests that feed on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the leaves with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap or oil. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, as they may harm beneficial insects.
Another pest that may affect Calystegia malacophylla (Greene) Munz ssp. tomentella (Greene) Munz is the root-knot nematode, which is a microscopic roundworm that feeds on the roots, causing them to become swollen and distorted. To manage root-knot nematodes, it is recommended to rotate crops regularly, plant nematode-resistant varieties of plants, and keep the soil moist.
