Introduction
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. This plant is a subspecies of the Convolvulus occidentalis, commonly known as the western morning glory. The plant is native to North America and is found growing in rocky, arid, and volcanic habitats.Common Names
This subspecies of the Convolvulus occidentalis is commonly known as Rock-bindweed or Western bindweed. The plant's common names indicate its growing habit of spreading roots in rocky soil and binding rocks, preventing soil erosion.Uses
Rock-bindweed has no known medicinal or culinary uses, but its roots help prevent soil erosion, making it an essential plant for rocky arid habitats. Also, its attractive purplish-pink flowers offer an ornamental value, making it a popular choice for rock gardens and xeriscapes.General Appearance
The plant is a low-growing perennial, growing up to 30 cm in height. Its stems are wiry, and its leaves are narrow, alternating, and narrowly oval in shape. The leaf surface is glossy and dark green, with a pointed tip and smooth margins. The Rock-bindweed flowers from late spring to late summer. Its flower stems grow up to 15 cm long, bearing one or two flowers. The flowers are funnel-shaped and have a diameter of up to 5 cm. They are usually purplish-pink, with a white center and five prominent pale yellow, oval stamens. The plant's roots are extensive and spread widely, making it useful in preventing soil erosion in rocky habitats. Its ability to grow in extremely arid, rocky, or volcanic soils is a testament to its resilience and adaptability.Light Requirements
The plant Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell requires full sunlight to grow properly. It should be exposed to at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures, preferably within the range of 75-85°F (24-29°C) during the day and around 60°F (15°C) during night time. It can tolerate a few degrees higher or lower, but extreme temperatures should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell requires well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should not be soggy but must retain moisture. The plant can tolerate some degree of drought but it is best to keep the soil consistently moist.
Other Growth Requirements
The plant typically grows in rocky and sandy regions, therefore, it needs a soil that has enough minerals to provide optimal growth. It also needs occasional fertilization, preferably with a balanced fertilizer, to support healthy growth.
Cultivation of Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell is a beautiful and hardy plant that can tolerate various growing conditions. To cultivate this plant, it is best to plant it during early spring. It can grow in full sunlight, and partial shade and prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
Watering Needs
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell requires moderate watering. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering it once or twice a week. However, be cautious not to overwater as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell benefits from the application of fertilizers during the blooming season. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is an ideal option. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's manual to avoid burning the plant's roots.
Pruning
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell requires minimal pruning. However, it is essential to trim off dead or unhealthy leaves to maintain an attractive appearance. You can also cut back the plants in the late fall season to encourage healthy growth during the following spring.
Propagation Methods of Convolvulus Occidentalis Gray Var. Saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola (Eastw.) J.T. Howell is a perennial plant that can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The first step in seed propagation is to obtain mature seeds from the plant. The seeds should be harvested when the seed pods turn brown and begin to split open.
The next step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be moistened and loosened, with any clumps or debris removed. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch and spaced 6 inches apart.
Once sown, the seeds should be covered lightly with soil and watered well. Moisture levels should be maintained until the seedlings emerge, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. Once emerged, the seedlings can be planted into their permanent location.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in soil. This method is typically used to propagate plants that are difficult to grow from seeds or to produce identical genetic copies of the parent plant.
To propagate Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola through cuttings, a stem cutting from a healthy, mature plant should be taken. The cutting should be 3-6 inches in length and cut from the parent plant just below a node.
The cutting should then be dipped into rooting hormone and planted into a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be watered thoroughly and placed in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Rooting typically takes 2-4 weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease management
Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola is particularly susceptible to diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections. Fungal infections can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot, while bacterial infections can cause wilting and discoloration of leaves.
To manage fungal infections, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, keep the soil well-drained, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays can also be used in severe cases. For bacterial infections, it is essential to avoid overhead watering and applying a copper-based bactericide may help control the spread.
Pest management
Common pests affecting Convolvulus occidentalis Gray var. saxicola include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing, while aphids and whiteflies can cause leaf curling and yellowing.
To manage spider mites, it is recommended to use insecticidal soap and ensure proper irrigation. For aphids and whiteflies, use of insecticidal soap and sticky traps can help control their population. Additionally, introducing natural predators of these insects, such as ladybugs, can be an effective biological control method.
