Shaggy dwarf morning-glory

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory, scientifically known as Evolvulus nuttallianus, is a low-growing perennial plant native to North America. The flowers bloom profusely throughout the summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are narrow and elongated. Evolvulus nuttallianus is commonly used as ground cover or in hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habit. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. While it does not produce significant fruit, it is valued for its ornamental appeal and is an excellent addition to rock gardens, borders, or containers.

The flower language used in America associated to the Shaggy dwarf morning-glory is as follows: - Affection - Friendship - Gratitude - Joy - New beginnings For example, for affection, giving the Shaggy dwarf morning-glory flowers can show deep love for someone special.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory blooms in the United States during summer months, from June to August. Flowers look best in July. Blooming starts early morning, lasts until afternoon. Each flower lasts one day. To extend the blooming period, provide sufficient sunlight, water, and well-draining soil. Removing spent flowers also encourages more blooms. Supporting the plant to climb can showcase the flowers better and extend the blooming time.

For Shaggy dwarf morning-glory, water at moderate frequency, normally 5-7 days during grow season. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, letting the top of the soil dry between waterings. In the dormant period, reduce watering to every 10-14 days to prevent root rot. Adapt water based on temperature and humidity. In winter, water every 14-21 days to match natural cycle. Regular checks for soil moisture are crucial to avoid overwatering.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory thrives in well-drained soil. It prefers loamy soil rich in organic matter. Give the plant a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Apply at 1 pound per 100 square feet. Repeat every 6-8 weeks during growth. Avoid over-fertilizing. This can lead to too much leaf growth instead of flowers. Watch the plant grow and change the fertilizer as needed. The plant needs a pH level of 6 to 7. Use sandy or loamy soil. Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 before new growth. Apply 1 pound per 100 square feet. Do this again every 6-8 weeks in the season. Don't use too much fertilizer. It can make too many leaves and not enough flowers. Check the plant's growth. Change the fertilizer based on this.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory benefits from regular pruning to maintain its compact shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning is necessary to remove dead or damaged branches, encourage new growth, and prevent overcrowding. It is best to prune the Shaggy dwarf morning-glory in late winter in Japan or early spring in Tokyo, before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts just above a leaf node or lateral branch. After pruning, dispose of any debris to prevent the spread of diseases.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory thrives best when potted due to its compact size and trailing nature. To pot this plant, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, fill it with well-draining soil and plant the morning-glory at the same depth as its current container. When repotting, gently loosen the roots, and place it in a slightly larger pot allowing growth. Ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering or insufficient sunlight can result in dwarf growth and stunted development.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory can be propagated through seeds, division, and cuttings. Plant the seeds in sunny, well-draining soil and keep the soil moist for germination. Subsequent propagation includes splitting up a mature shaggy dwarf morning-glory into smaller plants with roots attached and replanting those sections. Cuttings from healthy stems can be rooted in either water or soil before being transplanted into the garden. Leaf cuttings can also be successful by placing a healthy leaf in soil and maintaining moisture until roots form. Employing a combination of these techniques enhances the likelihood of success and produces more new plants.

Shaggy dwarf morning-glory is susceptible to various pests and diseases such as aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. These little creatures can weaken the plant by sucking sap or creating damage to the leaves. Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, leading to distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from leaves, causing stippling and webbing. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis. To prevent these issues, maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overcrowding. Regularly inspect for pests. In case of infestation, use insecticidal soap, oil, and chemicals. Regularly water the plant at the base instead of overhead watering can also help prevent diseases.