Overview:
Evolvulus convolvuloides (Willd. ex J.A. Schultes) Stearn is a species of flowering plant native to North and Central America. It belongs to the family Convolvulaceae, which consists of about 60 genera and 1650 species. This plant is commonly known as Blue Daze, a name that has been given due to its bright blue flowers and its blooming habit which is usually in the morning hours.
Appearance:
Evolvulus convolvuloides is a low-growing, perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 50 centimeters. Its leaves are small, narrow, and oval-shaped with a hairy texture, measuring around 1-2cm long and 3-10mm wide. Its flowers are bright blue in color, funnel-shaped, and only open for a short period in the morning. The plant blooms mainly from spring to fall but can also produce flowers throughout the year in warm climates. It has a slightly trailing or prostrate habit and has a tendency to spread out horizontally.
Uses:
Evolvulus convolvuloides has several uses, both medicinal and ornamental. Its bright blue flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens, hedges, and rock gardens. This plant is also used for erosion control, due to its ability to form a dense mat on the ground. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used as a diuretic, to treat wounds and various respiratory ailments. It has also been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and fever. However, it is always recommended to use this plant under guidance from a professional healer or medical practitioner.
Light Requirements
The plant Evolvulus convolvuloides (Willd. ex J.A. Schultes) Stearn typically requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not grow as well if it does not receive ample sunlight. It is important to note that the plant is sensitive to light levels and may become leggy if it does not receive sufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to warm regions of the world and prefers warm temperatures to grow. It requires a temperature range of 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C) to grow optimally. The temperature should not fall below 50°F (10°C) as it will stunt the plant's growth or even damage it.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Evolvulus convolvuloides (Willd. ex J.A. Schultes) Stearn are relatively simple. It requires a well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients that are essential for plant growth. The plant can grow in a wide variety of soils, including sandy soil, loamy soil, or clay soil, as long as they are well-draining.
Cultivation
Evolvulus convolvuloides is a hardy plant that is well-suited to warm and dry climates. The plant can be grown in pots as well as in open ground. It requires full sunlight for optimal growth and blooms heavily during summer and fall months.
For the best results, grow Evolvulus convolvuloides in well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant thrives in sandy soils but can also grow in heavy clay soils if the drainage is adequate.
Watering Needs
Evolvulus convolvuloides is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during its early stages of growth. After the plant is established, it requires a deep watering once a week during hot and dry periods. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Fertilization
To promote the healthy growth of Evolvulus convolvuloides, fertilize the plant twice a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer to the soil, avoiding the foliage and blooms, and water the plant afterward.
Pruning
Evolvulus convolvuloides can grow to be a bushy plant but can also become leggy if it doesn't receive enough sun. To keep the plant compact and encourage more blooms, pinch off the tips of new growth. It's also important to remove the dead blooms regularly to encourage the production of new flowers. Cut back the plant by about a third in late winter to early spring to revitalize the growth and ensure that it remains healthy.
Propagation of Evolvulus convolvuloides
Evolvulus convolvuloides is a plant species that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae and is commonly known as Blue Daze. It is a low-growing perennial shrub that produces showy, blue colored flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Evolvulus convolvuloides can be done through seeds collected from the plant. The seeds should be collected when the plant has finished blooming. The seeds can then be sown directly into the soil or in pots and trays. For direct sowing, the soil should be well-drained and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days. For sowing in pots and trays, a well-draining potting mix should be used. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. Once the seedlings have developed, they can be transplanted into the ground or into larger pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Evolvulus convolvuloides can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should have at least two nodes and be around 10cm in length. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop in 4 to 6 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into soil or a larger pot.
Division Propagation
Propagation can also be achieved through division. This method involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each of which can be transplanted to a new location. The plant should be lifted from the soil and the roots separated using a clean and sharp knife. Each section should have a healthy root system and at least one stem. The separated sections should be planted immediately into a well-draining soil mix, watered, and placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
Disease management
Evolvulus convolvuloides is a relatively resilient plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, various pathogens and environmental factors can still cause diseases in the plant, including:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging in the soil, leading to the root system's decay. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot in Evolvulus convolvuloides. To manage this disease, reduce the watering and improve drainage to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Leaf spot: Evolvulus convolvuloides can be affected by fungal infections that cause leaf spotting. The spots start small and then enlarge over time, forming irregularly shaped lesions. To control leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage during watering.
Pest management
Some common pests can infest Evolvulus convolvuloides and cause damage to the plant. Here are some of those pests and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on plant sap, causing speckled leaves and yellowing. You can manage them through regular misting, increasing the humidity around the plant, and using non-toxic insecticidal soaps or oil.
- Fungus Gnats: The larvae of fungus gnats can cause root damage, leading to stunted growth in Evolvulus convolvuloides. To manage them, avoid overwatering the plant, remove any decaying organic matter, and use sticky traps.
- Thrips: These small pests can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to become distorted and discoloured. Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage them.
