Overview
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt is a rare perennial plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae.
Origin
This plant species is native to the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bishop's calystegia or Bishop's morning glory due to its large, showy flowers that open in the morning and resemble the traditional morning glories.
Uses
Bishop's calystegia has no known medicinal uses but is known for its ornamental purposes due to its eye-catching flowers and attractive foliage. The plant's attractiveness has made it a popular choice for planting in gardens and landscapes due to its ability to attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and bees.
General Appearance
Bishop's calystegia is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 40cm (16") tall and spreads by rhizomes. The plant has a basal cluster of leaves that are heart-shaped and up to 8cm (3.5") long. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow singly or in pairs from the axils of the leaves. The flowers are usually white with pink or purple stripes or with a pink or purple tint. The plant blooms in the spring and summer seasons.
Growth Conditions for Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt
Light: The plant typically grows in an area with full or partial sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can harm the plant and impair its growth. Therefore, filtered sunlight is best for growing this species.
Temperature: The plant grows in moderate temperatures, with a range of 10? to 25?. During the summer season, the plant is capable of tolerating temperatures up to 30?. However, it can not withstand freezing temperatures and dies when exposed to the freezing temperatures of the winter season.
Soil Requirements: The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The soil must be rich in organic matter for healthy growth. Soil texture can vary between sandy loams to heavy clays. However, it prefers a lighter textured soil. It can grow in both slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soils.
Cultivation
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt grows best in well-draining, loamy soil. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F).
The plant thrives in areas with high humidity. If you live in a dry area, you should mist the leaves with water daily to create a humid environment.
To propagate the plant, you can start from seeds or cuttings. It is best to plant in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt prefers to be kept consistently moist but not overwatered. Water the plant deeply once a week, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. If the soil stays too wet, the plant may develop root rot.
During hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist. Watch the plant for signs of wilting or browning leaves, which may indicate that it is not getting enough water.
Fertilization
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year to encourage growth and improve overall health. Apply the fertilizer in the spring or fall.
If the plant is growing in poor soil, you may need to add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.
Pruning
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt does not require heavy pruning. However, you can trim back any dead or diseased stems and leaves to promote good health.
You can also trim the plant back after it has finished flowering to encourage bushier growth. Additionally, you can pinch back the stems of the plant for shaping and to encourage branching.
Propagation of Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis
There are several methods for propagating Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis, including:
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis is by division. This can be done in spring or fall, when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the roots into several pieces. Each section should have several healthy shoots and a good root system. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be successful with Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis. Take cuttings from healthy, young shoots in early summer. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches in length and have several nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm, bright location. Water regularly and mist the cuttings to keep the humidity high. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be transplanted to individual pots or into the garden.
Seeds
Propagation by seeds is also possible with Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis, but can be challenging. Seeds should be collected in late summer or fall when the seed pods are dry. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to several months. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Disease Management
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt is a hardy plant that generally does not succumb to serious diseases. However, it is susceptible to fungal infections like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spot and powdery mildew are often caused by environmental factors like high humidity and poor air circulation.
The use of fungicides can help manage these diseases. A preventive approach is recommended, and spraying should be done in the early stages of growth or before the disease symptoms appear. Gardeners are also advised to remove infected plant debris and maintain proper plant spacing to improve air circulation in the garden. Pruning can also help reduce the chances of fungal infection by opening up the plant canopy, increasing ventilation and sunlight penetration.
Pest Management
Although Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt is not a popular target for pests, it can still fall victim to insect attack. Common pests that affect the plant include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Mealybugs are one insect that gardeners must be careful of as they can cause severe damage to the plant. They feed on plant sap and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage mealybug infestations, gardeners can use rubbing alcohol to rub the insects off the plant. Alternatively, they can spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Aphids are another problem that can infest Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. episcopalis Brummitt. They attack the plant by feeding on its sap, thereby causing plant stunting and yellowing. To manage an aphid infestation, gardeners can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. Alternatively, they can spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Spider mites are also a problem for the plant, especially in dry conditions. They feed on the plant's sap by piercing the leaves, causing discoloration and stippling. To manage spider mites, gardeners can spray the plant with water to dislodge them. Alternatively, they can introduce natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings.
Overall, maintaining plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning is crucial to ward off pests and diseases.
