General Appearance
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is a small, herbaceous perennial plant with delicate white to pink flowers that bloom from June to September. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and has thin, trailing stems that root at the nodes, forming dense mats. The leaves are heart-shaped, alternate, and range in size from 1.5-7 cm long. The plant is often mistaken for other members of the Convolvulaceae family, such as bindweed or morning glory.
Origin
The plant is native to North America, specifically the eastern parts of the United States and Canada. It grows in damp, open areas, such as bogs, fens, meadows, and along streams and roadsides.
Common Names
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt goes by several common names, such as low bindweed and small bindweed. It is also sometimes referred to as hedge bindweed, but this name is more commonly used for the related species Calystegia sepium.
Uses
While Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt does not have any significant medicinal or culinary uses, it does have some ecological value. The plant is an important food source for various insects, such as butterflies, moths, and bees. It is also a popular ornamental plant for use in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Light Requirements: Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt thrives in a range of lighting conditions, but prefers full sun exposure. It can also tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade can result in slow growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements: This plant can grow in a variety of temperature ranges. However, it prefers moderate temperatures between 18-25°C, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as -23°C. Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt can withstand frost and even thrive in cool weather, provided the soil has good drainage and proper moisture levels.
Soil Requirements: Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt requires well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in humus. It also prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The plant can tolerate a somewhat alkaline soil with a pH of up to 8.0. Heavy clay soil with slow drainage and compacted soil can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
Water Requirements: This plant requires moderate watering and cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can result in stunted growth and reduced flowering. A plant with good drainage and proper moisture levels will thrive.
Nutrient Requirements: Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is not a heavy feeder and does not require excessive fertilization. A light feeding of balanced fertilizer in the spring is adequate. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Cultivation Methods for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and a fertile potting mix with good organic matter. It grows best in full sun to partial shade environments and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
When growing from seeds, sow in well-prepared soil during late winter and keep soil moist. Alternatively, for propagation using cuttings, take 4 to 6 inch long stem cuttings in the early spring and dip into rooting hormone. Rooting should occur in 2 to 4 weeks.
Watering Needs for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt prefers evenly moist soils. Water your plants thoroughly, especially during the growing season to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. To ensure the plant does not dry out, water for five to ten minutes at least 2-3 times a week for outdoor plants and more frequently for indoor ones.
Fertilization for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is not a heavy feeder, but it will appreciate a light feeding during growing season. For best results, apply a balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in a ratio of 10-10-10. Alternatively, apply 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended dose during the growing season. Too much nitrogen can result in lush growth, but can also reduce flowering in plants.
Pruning for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt requires little pruning. Deadhead spent blooms to help stimulate additional flowers and pinch back new growth to encourage a bushier plant. In late winter, trim back any dead or damaged stems to promote healthy growth and shape the plant as needed.
Propagation of Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt can be propagated by various methods such as seed, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method for propagating Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is by seed. Seeds can be collected after the flowering period and sown immediately. The seeds must be sown shallowly in well-drained soil, and they require light to germinate. Keeping the soil moist is essential until germination occurs, which typically takes about 2-3 weeks. Once the plants are well-established, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method for propagating Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is by cuttings. Tip cuttings should be taken from actively growing plants and inserted into a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted shallowly in a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in bright, indirect light. The roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted outdoors once it is well established.
Propagation by Division
The third method of propagation for Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is by division. This method involves carefully digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections, each with roots attached. The sections can then be replanted in well-drained soil, kept moist, and placed in bright, indirect light. This method is typically used for larger, more established plants that have outgrown their space.
Disease Management
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is generally a hardy plant with few disease problems. However, certain environmental conditions or cultural practices can lead to some issues.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella calystegiae, can result in circular, brown spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plants or leaves. Avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation.
Rust
Rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia calystegiae, can cause orange to brown raised spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed. Avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation.
Pest Management
Calystegia spithamaea (L.) Pursh ssp. stans (Michx.) Brummitt is generally not bothered by many pests. However, some common pests can infest this plant.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, moth-like insects that can infest the plant and cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to catch adults and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
