Overview
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is a trailing vine that grows up to 2m in length and is known by several common names, including creeping jenny, trailing bindweed, and European bindweed.
Origin
The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized in North America and other parts of the world. It grows in a variety of habitats, such as fields, meadows, gardens, and waste areas.
Appearance
The stems of C. sepium var. repens are slender, and the leaves are arrow-shaped and alternate. The flowers are funnel-shaped, white or pink in color, and bloom from June to September. The fruit is a small capsule containing four black seeds.
Uses
C. sepium var. repens has medicinal properties, and its extracts are used as a laxative, diuretic, and a remedy for eye diseases. However, it is mainly considered a weed due to its invasive nature and ability to compete with other plant species for resources.
Light Requirements
Convolvulus sepium var. repens requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth will be stunted and it may not bloom as well as it would in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is highly adaptable to different temperature conditions, but it prefers warm climates. Its growth rate will be slower in cooler environments. It can survive mild winters, but harsh frost can damage or kill the plant. In hot summers, it may require regular watering to avoid drying out.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in moderately fertile and well-drained soils. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The addition of organic matter promotes healthy growth, but excessive fertilization may result in too much foliage at the expense of blooming.
Cultivation Methods
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray is a perennial herbaceous plant that is commonly found in meadows, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas. It can be grown easily in gardens, containers or in the ground.
The plant prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
To propagate the plant, seeds should be sown in spring, while the soil is warm and moist. Alternatively, cuttings can be taken in late summer or early autumn.
Watering Needs
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray does not require frequent watering but also cannot tolerate drought. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
If the plant is grown in a container, it may require more frequent watering as soil in containers tends to dry out faster than soil in garden beds.
Fertilization
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray does not require heavy fertilization. However, application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial for promoting growth and blooming.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray does not require regular pruning but can be pruned after blooming to tidy up the plant and remove any dead foliage.
The plant can also benefit from periodic division to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
If the plant is not kept in check by pruning or division, it can become invasive and start to spread aggressively. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plant's growth and take appropriate action if necessary.
Propagation of Convolvulus Sepium L. var. Repens (L.) Gray
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray, commonly known as Hedge Bindweed or Creeping Jenny, is a perennial vine that can be propagated by several methods.
Seed Propagation
One propagation method for Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray is through seed propagation. Seeds are typically collected in the fall and can be planted immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring. Before planting, seeds should be scarified (scratched) or soaked to increase germination rates.
Seeds can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted once the danger of frost has passed. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray. This can be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. The plant can be dug up, and the root system can be divided into several pieces. Each piece should have several healthy roots and shoots. The divided pieces can then be replanted immediately.
Cuttings
Cuttings are also a viable propagation method for Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the summer from new growth. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot with well-draining soil. Place the pot in a warm, bright location and keep the soil moist until roots form.
Overall, Propagation of Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray can be accomplished through seed propagation, division, or cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but with the proper care, any of these methods can be successful.
Disease Management
Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Some common diseases of Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray include:
- Leaf spot and blight: This disease is caused by various fungal pathogens and can cause yellowing and browning of leaves with spots or lesions.
- Rust: This disease appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as proper irrigation, sanitation, and fertilization. Fungicides can also be used to manage these diseases, but it is important to identify the specific disease to choose the correct fungicide.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray is also vulnerable to various pests that can negatively affect the plant's growth and productivity. Some common pests of Convolvulus sepium L. var. repens (L.) Gray include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.
- Mites: These tiny insects cause discoloration of leaves and can cause defoliation.
- Leafhoppers: These insects suck plant sap and can transmit plant viruses.
- Cutworms: These are caterpillars that feed on young seedlings and can cause significant damage.
To manage these pests, cultural practices such as handpicking and crop rotation can be used to limit pest populations. Pesticides can also be used, but it is important to follow label instructions and reduce chemical use by considering alternative methods like biological control and integrated pest management approaches.
