Origin
Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica, commonly known as woodland bindweed, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but it is widely distributed and naturalized in North America, Australia, and other parts of the world.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including hedge bindweed, wild morning glory, hedge morning glory, great bindweed, and rutland beauty. The scientific name "calystegia" is derived from the Greek words "kalux" (meaning "covering") and "stegos" (meaning "roof"). This refers to the sepals that cover the bud like a roof before the flowers open.
Uses
Woodland bindweed is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It is often grown as a ground cover or as a decorative vine to climb fences, trellises, and walls. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal disorders. Some Native American tribes used the plant to induce vomiting and as a purgative.
General Appearance
Woodland bindweed is a perennial vine with a trailing or climbing habit. The stems are twining and slender, reaching up to 5 meters in length. The leaves are alternate, arrow-shaped, and up to 10 cm long, with pointed tips and smooth edges. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 2-3 cm in diameter, and white or pink in color. They bloom from June to September and are followed by capsule fruits that contain brown seeds. The plant prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil types.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica
Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica is a perennial plant found in shaded areas of forests and woodland edges. It is commonly known as Great Bindweed or Hedge Bindweed and is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Light Requirements
The Great Bindweed prefers partial to full shade and needs protection from direct sunlight. It cannot tolerate hot, dry conditions and needs shade to prevent excessive evapotranspiration. A shady environment with dappled sunlight or filtered light from trees and shrubs is ideal for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Great Bindweed prefers cool and mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can tolerate fluctuations between day and night temperatures. It prefers moderate humidity and cannot tolerate extreme temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or frost below -10°C (14°F).
Soil Requirements
The Great Bindweed prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and require a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils but prefers moist, humus-rich soils. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as excessive moisture can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica, commonly known as field bindweed, is a trailing or twining herbaceous perennial plant. It is easy to cultivate and adapts well to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers a well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. The plant grows in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate moderate drought. It can be propagated using seed or vegetative methods such as stem cutting, layering, dividing, and transplanting.
Watering Needs
Calystegia silvatica requires moderate to regular watering, especially during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Additionally, the plant prefers a moist soil but can tolerate drought conditions for a short period.
Fertilization
Field bindweed does not require frequent fertilization as it is adapted to growing in poor soils. However, the plant can benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Fertilization can be repeated once or twice during the growing season. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to excessive growth, which may attract pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Calystegia silvatica, but it can be beneficial for controlling its growth and shape. The plant can be pruned in early spring to remove any damaged or dead growth. Additionally, pruning can be used to control the spread of the plant as it can be invasive in some regions. Regular monitoring of the plant's growth is essential to identify any potential issues and take appropriate action promptly.
Propagation of Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica
There are primarily two ways to propagate Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica can be done through seeds but it may not be the best method because the germination rate can be low. However, if you want to give it a try, sow the seeds in spring or late summer in well-draining soil. Stratify the seeds for a few weeks before sowing them as it can increase germination rates. The seeds will usually germinate within three weeks after sowing.
Vegatative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a preferred method for propagating Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica because it is more reliable and easier compared to seed propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy and mature parent plant. Choose a stem that is young and green with no signs of damage or disease. Cut the stem approximately 10 centimeters from the apex and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and place it into a well-draining growing medium. Keep the cutting moist and in a well-lit area until it develops roots, which can take anywhere from two to six weeks. Once the roots have formed, plant the new plant into a larger container or directly into the garden soil.
Disease Management
Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens and can lead to defoliation. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying the infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicide sprays may also be effective
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by various soil-borne pathogens and can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To manage the disease, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in well-draining soils. Fungicide treatments may also be applied.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is characterized by a white, powdery growth on the leaves. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and promoting good air circulation around the plant. Fungicide sprays may also be effective.
Pest Management
Calystegia silvatica (Kit.) Griseb. ssp. silvatica is also susceptible to various pests that can affect its growth and yield. The following are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop. The pests can be managed by spraying the plant with water daily to remove the mites, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of various moths and can leave cut-off seedlings in their wake. Cutworms can be managed by placing a collar around the stem of the plant or by applying Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) to the soil around the plant.
- Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and curl. The pests can be managed by spraying the plant with water daily to remove the hoppers, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
