Overview
Evolvulus sericeus Sw., commonly known as Silver morning glory, is a species of flowering plant in the family Convolvulaceae. It is a fast-growing and low-maintenance plant, making it a popular choice for home gardens and landscapes.
Origin and Distribution
E. sericeus is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It can be found in countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. In its natural habitat, Silver morning glory prefers dry and sunny areas with sandy or rocky soils.
Common Names
In addition to Silver morning glory, E. sericeus also has several other common names such as Argentinean bluebell, Blue daze, Hawaiian blue eyes, and Blue my mind. These names typically refer to the plant's small blue flowers with yellow centers.
Appearance
E. sericeus is a perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm in height. It has long and trailing stems that are covered in small green leaves with silver or gray hairs. The leaves are ovate in shape with smooth margins. The flowers of the plant are bell-shaped with five petals and measure approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. They bloom throughout the summer and are a vibrant shade of blue with a yellow center.
Uses
E. sericeus is mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive blue flowers and silver foliage. It can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover. The plant is also drought tolerant and can survive in poor soil conditions, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. Additionally, E. sericeus has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for fevers and stomach ailments.
Light Requirements
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. plants prefer direct sunlight for growth but can tolerate partial shade. The plant thrives well under full sunlight conditions, which helps to enhance its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm and humid tropical environments with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It does not tolerate frost and requires protection during winter periods. Evolvulus sericeus Sw. can tolerate high temperatures and dry conditions, but regular watering is necessary to maintain optimal growth and prevent wilting.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soil, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The addition of organic compost or fertilizers such as NPK can significantly improve the soil nutrient composition, leading to better growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. requires a warm and sunny location for optimal growth. It prefers well-drained sandy loam soil. The plant should be planted during spring after the frost has passed. It is essential to space out the plants 30cm apart when planting them. If planting in pots, use a pot with good drainage, and use a fertile potting mix with sand or perlite to improve drainage. While in areas with hot summers, it is advisable to plant the flowers in a partly shady area.
Watering Needs
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. requires regular watering to maintain its lush and vibrant appearance. However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can cause root rot. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid scorching the leaves or flowers. The plant needs watering once or twice a week depending on the weather and soil conditions. When the topsoil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and improve the flowering display. The plant should be fertilized monthly during the growing season using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's direction and use a diluted solution to avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for the health and aesthetic value of Evolvulus sericeus Sw. Prune the plant to remove dead blooms and stem tips regularly. This practice encourages the plant to form new blooms and ensures it retains its compact shape. Pruning should be carried out during the growing season, early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Evolvulus sericeus Sw.
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Propagation of Evolvulus sericeus Sw. can be done by either seed or vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation of Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is the most common method used for its propagation. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits that have turned brown. The collected seeds must be dried and stored in a cool and dry place until they are to be used for propagation.
Before sowing the seeds, they must be soaked in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat, making it easier for the seed to germinate. Once soaked, the seeds can be sown in trays or seedling pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds need to be sown just below the soil surface and kept moist until they germinate.
Germination usually takes around 2-3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be carefully transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready to be planted out into the garden.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Evolvulus sericeus Sw. can be done using stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during the growing season in spring or early summer.
Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut a stem from the parent plant that is at least 5-10cm long. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone to help stimulate root growth.
Insert the stem cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and water until the soil is moist. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the stem cutting to develop roots, after which it can be carefully transplanted into an individual pot and grown until it is ready to be planted out into the garden.
Disease Management for Evolvulus sericeus Sw.
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is primarily a low-maintenance plant and is not too susceptible to diseases. However, some diseases may still occur, so it is important to remain vigilant to ensure the health of the plant.
One common disease that may affect the plant is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove any infected leaves immediately, discarding them in a sealed plastic bag. Avoid overhead irrigation, as it can provide a moist environment for the fungus to grow. Additionally, apply a fungicide according to label instructions to prevent further spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is leaf spot, a fungal disease that appears as small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove any infected leaves immediately and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead irrigation and water the plant at the base to prevent splash-back of infected water onto the leaves. Applying a fungicide may also help manage the disease, according to label instructions.
Pest Management for Evolvulus sericeus Sw.
Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is relatively pest-resistant, but some pests may still cause damage to the plant. It is important to keep an eye out for any signs of pest activity to ensure the health of the plant.
A common pest that may affect the plant is spider mites, tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves. Signs of infestation include yellowing or stippling on the leaves. To manage the pests, spray the plant with a strong blast of water to knock them off the leaves. Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the garden to control the infestation. As a last resort, apply an insecticidal soap or a pesticide labeled for spider mite control.
Another pest that may affect Evolvulus sericeus Sw. is whiteflies, tiny insects that also suck the sap from the leaves. Signs of infestation include yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage the pests, apply yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch the flying adults. Introduce natural predators, such as parasitic wasps or predatory mites, to the garden to control the infestation. As a last resort, apply an insecticidal soap or a pesticide labeled for whitefly control.
