Overview
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse, also known as ornamental morning glory, is a plant from the Convolvulaceae family that is widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is native to South Africa, particularly in the Cape Province region. It is also found in other countries with similar climates, such as Australia, California, and the Mediterranean.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as ornamental morning glory or pinkie morning glory due to its vivid pink petals. It is also called rock morning glory, as it can thrive in rocky, sandy soils.
Description
The Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 30cm in height. It has a spreading or trailing habit, with woody stems that can root at the nodes. The leaves are simple, alternate, and linear, with blunt tips and no stalks. The flowers are solitary and funnel-shaped, with pink or white petals and a yellow or white center. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
Uses
The ornamental morning glory is primarily grown for its beauty. Its showy flowers make it a popular choice for gardens and hanging baskets. The plant is also reported to have medicinal properties, with some studies suggesting that it may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, further research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Light Requirements
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse requires full sun exposure to thrive. It is not recommended to grow this plant in shady areas or even under partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires warm temperatures to grow. The temperature range best suited for Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C cause the plant to become dormant.
Soil Requirements
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse requires well-drained, sandy soil. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0. It is recommended to add compost to the soil to improve its fertility.
Cultivation
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is commonly referred to as Blue Enchantment, and it is native to southern Africa. The plant is easy to cultivate and can survive in a wide range of soils and climates. However, it thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and under full sunlight.
To grow the plant, prepare the soil in advance by adding compost or organic matter to improve its fertility. Plant the seeds around 0.5 cm deep and cover with soil. The seeds take about two to three weeks to germinate and should have a spacing of about 15-20 cm.
Watering
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, for best results, water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cool and the sun is not too hot.
Fertilization
The plant requires little fertilization, but it benefits from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizing the plant should be done during the growing season and sparingly to avoid over-fertilization. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliar growth at the expense of flower production.
Use a slow-release fertilizer or one that is high in phosphorus to encourage flowering and overall plant growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is not necessary, but it can help to maintain its shape and improve overall plant health. Prune the plant after flowering, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage branching and more flower production. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can also prolong the flowering period.
Propagation of Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse, commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, is a plant native to South Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that produces trumpet-shaped flowers and has medicinal properties. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is through seed propagation. The process involves collecting the seeds from the mature plant and planting them in a pot or tray filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly. The seedlings will emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted in their permanent position once they have grown to a suitable size.
Softwood Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken from Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse during the growing season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be around 10 cm in length. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot or tray filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot or tray in a well-lit area. The cuttings will start to develop roots in 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted into their permanent position once they have become established.
Division
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse can also be propagated through division. This method is most effective during the early spring when the plant is starting to grow. Gently dig up the plant and divide the root ball into several pieces. Each piece should have at least one stem and a healthy root system. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and water them regularly until they become established.
Overall, Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, softwood cuttings, and division. By following the proper techniques and providing suitable conditions, you can propagate this beautiful plant successfully.
Disease and Pest Management for Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse
Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus (Engl.) A.Meeuse is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many diseases and pests. However, there are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant. Here are a few of them, along with suggested management techniques.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus is the red spider mite. These tiny mites will often appear in large numbers on the undersides of the leaves, where they will feed on the plant's tissues. An infestation of red spider mites can weaken the plant and cause yellow, brown, or grey speckles to appear on the leaves.
To manage an infestation of red spider mites, try using a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant. You can also try using an insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil to control these pests.
Another common pest that can affect Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus is the mealybug. These soft-bodied insects will often congregate on the stems and leaves of the plant, where they will suck out the sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. A heavy infestation of mealybugs can weaken the plant and cause it to wilt or die back.
To manage an infestation of mealybugs, try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe the insects away from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil to control these pests.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus is powdery mildew. This fungal disease will often appear as a white or grey powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. In severe cases, it can cause the leaves to curl up and drop off.
To manage an infestation of powdery mildew, try improving the air circulation around the plant by pruning away any nearby plants or objects that may be blocking the airflow. You can also use a fungicide to control the disease.
Another common disease that can affect Convolvulus ocellatus Hook.f. var. ornatus is root rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet, poorly-drained soil. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor coming from the soil.
To manage an infestation of root rot, try improving the drainage around the plant by amending the soil with sand or perlite. You can also try watering the plant less frequently and allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
