Overview
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as Blue Daze or Brazilian dwarf morning glory, is a perennial plant found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This plant is often grown as an ornamental and has small, light blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer months.
Origin and Distribution
Blue Daze is native to South America, specifically Brazil, but it has been introduced and naturalized in other parts of the world such as India, Florida, and Hawaii. It grows well in warm and humid conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Names
Aside from Blue Daze and Brazilian dwarf morning glory, this plant is known by several other common names. In Brazil, it is called "flor de São João" (St. John's flower) because it blooms around the time of St. John's Day. In other parts of the world, it may be called "Blueweed" or "Small-Flowered Morning Glory".
Appearance
Blue Daze is a low-growing plant that typically reaches only 6-12 inches in height and spreads up to 2 feet wide. It has small, elongated leaves that are a bright green color. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and about 1 inch wide, with five petals that are a pale blue color. The plant blooms continuously from summer to fall, with each flower only lasting for a day.
Uses
Blue Daze is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, often used in borders, containers, or as a groundcover. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. In some traditional medicine practices, the plant is used to treat headaches and respiratory problems, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support these uses.
Light Requirements
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. requires full sunlight throughout the day to grow properly. Insufficient light causes the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in an area with no shade or obstruction from buildings or tall trees.
Temperature Requirements
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. is a warm-loving plant that requires a temperature range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C) to grow properly. It is frost-sensitive and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Therefore, it is best to grow it in a tropical or subtropical climate where temperatures remain warm throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. However, it is important to avoid water-logged or compacted soil, as this can lead to root rot and stunted growth. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent over-watering.
Cultivation methods
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. is a low maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering needs
The plant requires moderate watering during the active growing season, which is from spring to fall. Allow the soil to dry out partially between watering to avoid waterlogging that might lead to root rot. During the winter, the watering should reduce significantly, and the soil should be kept dry to prevent foliage damage.
Fertilization
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. requires periodic fertilization to maintain healthy growth and blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients. Fertilizer should not be applied during the winter or dormancy period.
Pruning
The plant requires little pruning except for periodic removal of dead flowers and stems to encourage new blooms. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the active growth period to remove any damaged or overcrowded stems. Maintain a rounded shape and avoid excessive pruning that might stunt its growth.
Propagation of Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn.
Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. is a popular ornamental plant that is commonly grown in gardens and as a houseplant. Propagation is the process of multiplying the plant, and there are several methods of propagating Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. is through seed propagation. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mix in a warm and bright location. The seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden bed.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another popular and easy method of propagating Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. Cut a healthy stem of the plant about 6 inches in length, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Place the stem cutting in a pot with well-draining, moist soil, and keep it in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root in three to four weeks, and once it has rooted, transplant it into a larger pot or garden bed.
Division
Division is also a common method of propagating Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. Dig up the mature plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots and shoots. Transplant the divided sections into individual pots or directly into the garden bed. Water the plants thoroughly and keep them in a warm, bright location until they begin to grow.
Propagation is an excellent way to create more plants of Evolvulus azureus Vahl ex Schumach. & Thonn. and to maintain the genetic diversity and health of the plant. With the proper care, the propagated plants should thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
Disease and Pest Management for Evolvulus Azureus
Evolvulus azureus, commonly called blue daze, is a relatively hardy plant that is easy to maintain. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to specific pests and diseases. Effective pest and disease management are crucial to ensure the plant's healthy growth and development. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect Evolvulus Azureus, along with ways to manage them.
Pest Management
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce through the plant's leaves or stems and suck out the sap. This results in the leaves curling or yellowing, and the eventual stunting of the plant's growth. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on heavily infested areas of the plant. Additionally, attract beneficial insects like ladybugs to feed on the aphids.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that spin webs on the leaves and stems. They also suck out the plant's sap, leading to wilting and yellowing of the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water and introduce predatory insects like Phytoseiulus persimilis, which feed on spider mites.
Disease Management
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves. This disease thrives in a humid environment, so avoid overwatering the plant and plant it in well-draining soil. Spray the plant with a fungicidal spray made with neem oil and baking soda to prevent the spread of this disease.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that initially appears as small, water-soaked lesions on the plant's leaves. As it progresses, the lesions will become tan or brown, and the leaves will start to wilt eventually. To manage bacterial blight, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant to prevent the spread of this disease.
By implementing effective pest and disease management techniques for Evolvulus Azureus, you can ensure its healthy growth and development. Maintaining proper watering, fertilization, and pruning practices can also help prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.
