Origin
Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt, also known as California morning glory, is a flowering plant that is native to California and Baja California, Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as California morning glory or rock false bindweed due to its morning glory-like flowers and climbing habit.
Uses
Calystegia purpurata has many uses in traditional medicine as it contains alkaloids that have been used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and inflammation. It is also used as an ornamental plant, and its attractive flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners.
General Appearance
The California morning glory is a perennial vine that typically grows up to 5 feet long and climbs by twining around other plants or structures. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the flowers are funnel-shaped, measuring up to 3 inches wide. They appear in clusters of two or three and range in color from purple to pink or white. The plant produces small, round, papery capsules containing seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Light Requirements
Calystegia purpurata ssp. saxicola typically grows in areas with full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. Too much shade, however, can negatively impact its growth and flowering habits.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in moderate temperatures. It can tolerate heat and drought, but excessive heat can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. Conversely, very cold temperatures can cause the plant to slow down its growth and even stunt it.
Soil Requirements
Calystegia purpurata ssp. saxicola prefers well-draining soil that is moist and rich in nutrients. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soil, but the pH should be around 6.0 to 7.0 for best growth. It also prefers soil that is not too compacted, as this can limit root growth and result in stunted plants.
Cultivation Methods
Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The plant can be grown from seed or propagated through division in the fall. It is important to provide support for the plant as it tends to be a climber.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. An inch of water per week is sufficient for the plant to thrive.
Fertilization
Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt is not a heavy feeder. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring when new growth appears. Applying too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.
Pruning
The plant should be pruned after flowering to prevent it from becoming too leggy. The stems can be cut back to one-third of their length to promote bushier growth. Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Regular pruning will help to maintain the plant's shape and keep it looking tidy.
Propagation of Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt
Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt, commonly known as rock morning glory or channel island morning glory, can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
The seeds of Calystegia purpurata can be harvested and sown in the fall or winter months. The seeds should be sown in shallow trays that are filled with well-draining soil and kept consistently moist. Germination typically occurs within three to four weeks. Once the seedlings have reached a height of two to three inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation from cuttings
Calystegia purpurata can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken in the summer months when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be between four and six inches long and should be taken from the soft, new growth of the plant. Remove any leaves from the lower one-half to two-thirds of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept consistently moist until they root, which typically takes three to four weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt is generally resistant to diseases, but certain environmental conditions can make it susceptible to some fungal and viral diseases. One common fungal disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, which appears as white powdery spots on leaves and stems. This can be managed by spraying with a mixture of baking soda and water or neem oil. Another fungal disease is root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring proper soil drainage and watering practices.
Viral diseases can also impact the plant, such as tobacco mosaic virus, which causes yellowing and mottling of leaves. This disease can be prevented by practicing good sanitation practices and avoiding working with infected plants. It is also important to purchase seeds or plants from reputable sources to avoid introducing viruses to your garden.
Pest Management
While Calystegia purpurata (Greene) Brummitt ssp. saxicola (Eastw.) Brummitt is generally resistant to pests, there are some insects that may cause damage, such as spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They can be managed by using a strong jet of water to wash them off or using insecticidal soap.
Aphids are another pest that may attack the plant. They feed on the sap of new growth and can cause distortion and curling of leaves. Aphids can be managed by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or using insecticidal soap. It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of infestation and take action promptly to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants in your garden.
