Origin
Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams, commonly known as the Pedicellate Sierra Bindweed, is a species of convolvulus that is native to the western United States, particularly California and Nevada.
Common Names
The Pedicellate Sierra Bindweed has numerous common names, including Sierra Bindweed, Pedicellate Bindweed, Small-Leaved Bindweed, and Soft-Leaf Bindweed.
General Appearance
The Pedicellate Sierra Bindweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall and often forms mats. It has small, green, and hairy leaves that are 1-4 cm long and 6-8 mm wide. The flowers are funnel-shaped and white to pink in color, measuring 1.5-2 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The plant blooms from April to October.
Uses
The Pedicellate Sierra Bindweed is primarily used for erosion control due to its ability to form a thick mat that helps stabilize soil. It is also used as a ground cover and can be grown in rock gardens and borders because of its attractive flowers. Additionally, the plant has been used in folk medicine as a treatment for coughs, colds, and fever.
Light Requirements
The Convolvulus malacophyllus ssp. pedicellatus requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. It prefers bright sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, it can also tolerate some shade up to 30% for few hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to California and Baja California where it grows in warm and dry climate. Therefore, it prefers a warm temperature ranging from 20 to 35°C during the day and 15 to 25°C at night. It cannot withstand frost and excessively low temperatures, which can lead to its death.
Soil Requirements
The Convolvulus malacophyllus ssp. pedicellatus prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it cannot thrive in waterlogged soils. The soil should also be rich in organic matter with good moisture retention capacity.
Cultivation
Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams commonly known as Siskiyou Convolvulus is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives well in moist, well-draining soil, in full sun to partial shade. The plant is not frost tolerant and requires a warm climate for optimum growth.
It is advisable to plant this species in early spring or late fall when the soil is warm and favorable for the germination and establishment of the plant seedlings. In areas with cold winters, it's best grown in containers and moved to a greenhouse during the winter.
Watering needs
Convolvulus malacophyllus plants require moderate watering, especially during hot and dry seasons. Water the plants deeply, but sporadically to prevent waterlogging and root rot, which affects the health of the plant. Avoid over-watering as it may also cause stunted growth and pest infestations.
It's essential to mulch the soil around the plant to conserve soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. Mulching also plays a significant role in weed control around your plants.
Fertilization
This plant species grows best in soil that's rich in organic matter, so it's advisable to amend your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting. This practice ensures your plant gets the required nutrients for optimal growth and health.
Additionally, it's advisable to apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growth season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may cause excessive growth at the expense of flower formation.
Pruning
Pruning helps to shape the plant, promote growth, and control the spread of diseases and pests. It's advisable to prune your Siskiyou Convolvulus immediately after blooming by deadheading the spent flowers.
You can also remove the dead and diseased leaves and stems, which may harbor pests and diseases that affect the plant's health. Pruning should be done judiciously to avoid damaging the plant as it may affect flower production.
Propagation of Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams
Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Propagation of the plant can be achieved through seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams is through seeds. The seeds of Convolvulus malacophyllus are small and are best sown in the spring or early summer. Germination of the seeds usually takes place within 2-3 weeks of sowing. To increase germination rates, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing.
When sowing the seeds, ensure that they are sown in trays or pots filled with well-drained soil. The seeds should be lightly buried in the soil and watered lightly. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be watered regularly and fed with a balanced fertilizer.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams is also possible. This can be achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the summer. Select healthy stems from the plant and cut them to a length of 4-6 inches. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
The cuttings should be inserted into a pot filled with well-drained soil. The pot should then be covered with a plastic bag to raise humidity levels and retain moisture. After a few weeks, the cuttings will have rooted and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation of Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus (Jepson) Abrams through seed and vegetative methods are both effective in producing new plants. With proper care, the propagated plants will bloom in the summer and add beauty to the garden.
Disease Management
Common diseases that could affect Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus include:
- Fungal Diseases: The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases cause leaf discoloration, wilt, and defoliation.
- Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial diseases such as soft rot and bacterial leaf spot can cause stem, leaf, and fruit rot, leading to plant death.
Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Cultural Practices: Use good cultural practices such as watering the plants in the early morning to allow time for the foliage to dry out during the day. Remove infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Fungicides: Use fungicides to control fungal diseases. Choose a fungicide registered for use on Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus and follow the instructions carefully.
- Bactericides: Use bactericides to manage bacterial diseases. Choose a bactericide labeled for use on Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus and follow the instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Common pests that could affect Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted leaves.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests that feed on the foliage, causing partial or complete defoliation.
Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Natural Predators: Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids. You can also release beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps to control caterpillar populations.
- Manual Control: For smaller infestations, remove insects by hand and destroy them.
- Insecticides: Use insecticides as a last resort. Choose an insecticide registered for use on Convolvulus malacophyllus Greene ssp. pedicellatus and follow the instructions carefully.
