Overview
Calystegia soldanella (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae. It is commonly known as Bay bindweed, Sea bindweed, or Shore bindweed. This plant is native to the coastal regions of Europe and the Mediterranean.
General Appearance
Calystegia soldanella is a perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm in height, spreading out several long stems that can reach up to 3 m in length. The leaves are fleshy, lance-shaped, with a distinct pointed tip, and are usually a blue-green color. The flowers are funnel-shaped, pink or pale purple in color, and about 4 cm in diameter. The fruit is a rounded capsule containing several seeds.
Uses
Calystegia soldanella has a long history of medicinal use in different countries. It has been used as a cure for sore throats, fever, and venereal diseases. Also, the plant has been employed to treat skin ailments like eczema and burns, and as a diuretic and laxative. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant and is planted as an alternative to grass in coastal gardens.
Additionally, Calystegia soldanella plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems as it stabilizes sandy soils and prevents beach erosion. It also provides habitat for numerous invertebrates and serves as food for a variety of bird species.
Growth Conditions of Calystegia soldanella
Light Requirements: Calystegia soldanella thrives in areas with partial or full sunlight exposure. The plant is often found growing in sandy coastal regions, which provides it with the necessary sunlight that it needs to carry out its photosynthetic activities.
Temperature Requirements: Calystegia soldanella grows best in mild temperatures ranging between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, the plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The plant is a perennial herb that regenerates from its underground rhizomes and can withstand adverse temperatures and weather conditions.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers soils that are well-drained and loose. Calystegia soldanella thrives in nutrient-poor soils such as sandy or loamy soils and can tolerate mild salinity. The plant is known to grow well in coastal dunes, hillsides, and heathlands with well-drained soils. The soil pH range that is best for growth is between 6 to 7.5.
Calystegia soldanella is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, for optimum growth and development, the plant requires partial or full sunlight exposure, well-drained and nutrient-poor soils, and mild temperatures ranging between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is a fascinating plant that is well adapted to thrive in coastal regions, adding beauty to the sandy beaches and hillside landscapes.
Cultivation Methods
The Calystegia soldanella plant is a salt-tolerant species that prefers to grow in sandy soils. It can also survive in coarse, well-draining soils with low fertility. The plant prefers full sunlight exposure and doesn't tolerate shady areas. It grows well in the coastal regions with a moderate climate.
Watering Needs
Calystegia soldanella has medium water requirements and can tolerate drought conditions, once established. However, it still needs regular moisture during the growing season to produce flowers and maintain healthy foliage. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough water to reach the roots. Ensure the topsoil is moist but not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Calystegia soldanella doesn't require heavy fertilization, as it is adapted to nutrient-poor soils. However, regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer can promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply the fertilizer once every month during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid applying fertilizer during the winter months, as the plant is dormant and doesn't require any nutrients.
Pruning
Calystegia soldanella doesn't require regular pruning, as it has a trailing growth habit and forms a low mat of foliage. However, you can trim back any dried or damaged stems to preserve the plant's appearance. You can also shear back the plant after flowering to encourage a bushier habit and promote new growth.
Propagation of Calystegia soldanella
Calystegia soldanella is a beautiful coastal plant with fleshy stems, succulent leaves, and pink or white trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant is relatively easy to propagate, and it can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or by division.
Propagation from seeds
Propagation of Calystegia soldanella from seeds is relatively easy. The mature seeds are collected from the plant when they have turned brown and dry. The seeds are then sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix and watered well. The tray is then covered with a plastic lid to create a humid environment. The seedlings will usually emerge in 1-2 weeks, and the cover can then be removed. The seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots when they have grown large enough to handle, and subsequently transplanted to their final position in the garden after they have become established.
Propagation from cuttings
Propagation of Calystegia soldanella from cuttings is an easy method to produce plants with similar characteristics to the parent plant. Select a healthy stem of around 10cm in length. Cut the stem below a node and remove all the leaves except a few at the top. Dip the end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cutting well and cover the container with a plastic lid to create a humid environment. In a few weeks, the cutting should have produced roots and can be transplanted to a larger container. After a few weeks in the container and new growth emerging, you can move it to its final position in the garden.
Propagation by division
Propagation of Calystegia soldanella by division is another easy method of producing multiple new plants from a single parent plant. Divide the plant when it is dormant in winter or early spring. This works by lifting and separating the plant’s roots by gently pulling them apart by hand. Each new plant can then be placed in a new pot of soil and grown until it is large enough to be transplanted to its final position in the garden.
Disease Management
Calystegia soldanella is generally a hardy plant but can be prone to some diseases depending on environmental conditions and growing conditions. Here are some common diseases that might affect Calystegia soldanella and how to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease that affects many plants, including Calystegia soldanella. It is caused by various types of soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include stunted growth, yellowing or wilting leaves, and a weak stem. To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and does not get waterlogged. It is also important to avoid overwatering the plant and to avoid planting it in soil that has been infected with root rot in the past.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Calystegia soldanella. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Symptoms of powdery mildew include distorted or discolored leaves and stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, ensure that the plant is grown in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight. If powdery mildew appears, remove infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash.
Pest Management
Calystegia soldanella is not generally prone to many pests, but there are a few that might affect the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect Calystegia soldanella and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause damage to the leaves and stems of Calystegia soldanella, causing them to wilt and die. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant. If this does not work, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-feeding insects that can cause damage to the leaves of Calystegia soldanella. They produce webbing on the plant, which can be an indication of an infestation. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the spider mites.
