Overview
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is a herbaceous, flowering plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to the western United States and can be found in the coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
The plant is commonly called the Lompoc morning glory or low morning glory due to its low-lying, spreading growth habit.
Appearance
The Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis plant typically reaches a height of only 6-18 inches. It is a low-lying vine that forms dense mats on the ground. The leaves are simple, alternate, and arrow-shaped, with a length of up to 2 inches. The flowers are funnel-shaped and can range in color from white to pale pink or lavender. They bloom from May to August.
Uses
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its attractive flowers and low-growing habit. As a member of the morning glory family, the plant is known to be attractive to bees and other pollinators. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, headaches, and skin irritations. However, it is important to note that the plant may have toxic properties and should only be used with caution and under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
Light Requirements
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis typically grows in areas that receive full sun or partial shade. In shady areas, the plant may produce less flowers but will still grow well.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to western North America and is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C and as high as 30°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 15-25°C.
Soil Requirements
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The plant does well in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, but can tolerate slightly more acidic or alkaline soils.
Cultivation
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is a hardy perennial plant that grows in sunny locations with well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. It is essential to ensure the soil is free of weeds and debris.
Watering Needs
Watering regularly is important to keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is drought-tolerant once it's established, but it needs consistent watering during its initial stages of growth. You should water the plant once a week during dry periods.
Fertilization
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis does not require excessive fertilization. Using a slow-release fertilizer once a year after the first growth is ideal. The plant prefers low humidity and low to medium nutrient soils.
Pruning
Pruning Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis may differ depending on the reason for the pruning. For a shorter, bushier look, it's advisable to pinch the tips of the plant's stem to encourage lateral growth. If the plant has outgrown its space, cut it back by half in spring. Removing dead leaves and wilted flowers help the plant remain healthy.
Propagation of Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis, commonly known as Small-flowered morning-glory, is a beautiful plant which can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is through seed propagation. You'll need to collect fresh seeds during the fall season when the pods turn brown. Once collected, the seeds should be prepared by soaking them in water for a couple of hours to soften their outer coverings. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have developed enough root and foliage.
Vegetative Propagation
Another effective method of propagating Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is through vegetative propagation. This involves taking cuttings or dividing the root ball of an existing plant to create new plants. Cuttings can be taken from established plants in the spring or summer, and treated with a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Division, on the other hand, involves carefully separating the plant into smaller divisions, ensuring that each division has a portion of the root system. The divisions can then be replanted in pots or directly in the ground.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method which can be used to propagate Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis. This involves bending a stem down to the ground and covering a part of it with soil. Once roots have formed, usually within a few weeks, the new plant can be severed from the parent plant and replanted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Propagation of Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis through any of these methods should be done with care to ensure successful establishment of new plants.
Disease Management
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is a relatively hardy plant. However, it can be affected by several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide. Additionally, proper plant spacing and ventilation can minimize the spread of powdery mildew.
Rust is another fungal disease that affects Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis. It appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves and stems. To manage rust, it is recommended to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide. Additionally, providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can reduce the risk of rust infection.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the plant. It appears as brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide. Proper plant spacing and ventilation can also help reduce the spread of leaf spot.
Pest Management
Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis is relatively pest-resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the mites or use soap and water spray to kill them.
Aphids are another pest that can affect Calystegia subacaulis Hook. & Arn. ssp. subacaulis. They can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them or use insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies are another common pest that can affect the plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves and sticky honeydew on the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them or use insecticidal soap.
