Overview
Merremia umbellata is a plant species that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a climbing vine that is native to Central and South America and is commonly referred to as purple morning glory or bush morning glory.
Appearance
Merremia umbellata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet long. Its leaves are heart-shaped and measure about 2-3 inches long. The plant produces funnel-shaped flowers that are deep purple with white throats and are about 2 inches wide. The fruit produced by the plant is a capsule that contains several small seeds.
Uses
Merremia umbellata is used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. The plant contains alkaloids that have been shown to have antifungal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat skin disorders, headaches, and fevers. The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening as a decorative plant due to its attractive and showy purple flowers. It is often planted on trellises and arbors to provide shade and as a privacy screen.
Light Requirements
Merremia umbellata (L.) Hallier f. subsp. umbellata grows well in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some shade, but too much will reduce its bloom potential and cause the plant to stretch out.
Temperature Requirements
Merremia umbellata (L.) Hallier f. subsp. umbellata prefers warm temperatures between 60° and 80°F (15.6° and 26.7°C). It is suitable for USDA zones 9-11, but it may not tolerate colder temperatures well. In areas with cooler climates, it is best to grow Merremia umbellata indoors or in a greenhouse to maintain optimal temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Merremia umbellata (L.) Hallier f. subsp. umbellata prefers well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Sandy loam or loamy sand soil types are preferred, but the plant can also grow in other types of soil, provided they have good drainage. The addition of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, will improve soil quality and help the plant thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Merremia umbellata (L.) Hallier f. subsp. umbellata, commonly known as Hogvine, is a fast-growing, scrambling vine that can reach up to 5 meters in length. It prefers a warm and humid climate with well-draining, fertile soil. This plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
When cultivating Hogvine from seeds, sow them in a seed bed and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
If propagating from stem cuttings, select healthy stem cuttings from the plant's tip and plant them in well-draining soil. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid overwatering.
Watering Needs
Merremia umbellata prefers consistent moisture but cannot tolerate standing water. It is essential to water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Young plants require more frequent watering than mature plants. When watering, try to avoid getting the foliage wet to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, Merremia umbellata requires regular feeding. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, and water it in well.
Pruning
To maintain the shape and size of Merremia umbellata, prune it back annually after flowering. This plant blooms on new growth, so pruning encourages the development of new flowers. Remove any damaged or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed. Avoid cutting back all the stems, as this can reduce flower production.
Propagation of Merremia umbellata subsp. umbellata
Merremia umbellata subsp. umbellata, commonly known as yellow morning glory, can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and transplanted later. The best time for sowing is in the spring or summer. The seeds should be planted no deeper than 1/4 inch into the soil and kept moist until germination, which usually takes around one to two weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Merremia umbellata subsp. umbellata can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from the parent plant, making sure they have at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a container with water or potting mix. Keep the container in a shaded area and change the water or mist the potting mix to keep it moist. New roots should appear in around two to three weeks.
Division propagation
This method involves dividing an existing plant into smaller sections with roots. This is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots and foliage. Replant the individual sections in new locations.
Regardless of the method of propagation, it is important to keep the newly propagated plants moist and in a shaded area until they establish roots and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Merremia umbellata is usually resistant to most plant diseases. However, some diseases can affect the plant, with the most common ones being leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus and is characterized by the presence of brown to black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you should enforce proper sanitation practices. Remove and destroy diseased plant parts, avoid overhead watering and maintain proper plant spacing to promote air circulation.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the plant. It results in a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To control powdery mildew, you can remove the affected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply a fungicide to the plant as per label instructions.
Pest Management
Merremia umbellata is vulnerable to pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. The following are effective ways of managing these pests:
Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that feed on the underside of the leaves, leaving a sticky residue known as honeydew that attracts ants. To control whiteflies, you can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into the garden or use a soap spray or insecticidal soap as per label instructions.
Aphids: Aphids are pear-shaped insects that suck the plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and curl. You can remove aphids by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into the garden. Insecticidal soap is also an effective control measure.
Spider Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing the leaves to discolor, and dry out. To control spider mites, you should improve air circulation, remove infested leaves, and use a miticide as per label instructions.
