Evolvulus glomeratus
Common Names: blue daze, evolvulus
Family: Convolvulaceae (morning glory Family)
Shrub Perennial Can be Grown in Containers Has evergreen foliage
Flowers
Description
Evolvulus, or blue daze, is an evergreen subshrub that grows in a
low, spreading mound, up to 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) in diameter, but no
more than 1 ft (0.3 m) tall. The stems become woody as they age.
Leaves and stems are densely downy, covered with a light gray fuzz.
Use your tongue to feel the feltlike texture. The egg shaped leaves
are about a 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide and 1 in (2.5 cm) long. The funnel
shaped flowers are born individually in leaf axils near the stem
tips. They are about 1 in (2.5 cm) across, with five pale lavender
or powder blue petals and white throats. Evolvulus blooms profusely
and almost continuously, but each flower lasts only a day, opening
in the morning and closing by afternoon. The cultivar, 'Blue Daze'
is widely available.
Location
Evolvulus glomeratus is native to Brazil and Paraguay. This plant is
sometimes confused with Evolvulus pilosus (a.k.a. E. nuttallianus)
which occurs in midwestern North America from Montana and North
Dakota, south through Arizona and Texas. Both species grow in open
plains and prairies on dry sandy or rocky soils.
Culture
Evolvulus grows well in full sun in poor sandy soils that are well
drained. Light: Evolvulus does best in full sun, but can tolerate a
little shade, especially at midday.
Moisture: Evolvulus needs a well drained soil, but also frequent
watering. It cannot tolerate wet soils at all, and very rainy
periods or overwatering will cause fungus problems and lead to
premature death. Evolvulus needs very little water in winter, and
the humidity should be low when the temperature is low.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11. This is one plant that likes it hot!
In areas that get frost, grow blue daze as an annual or in a
container that can be brought inside. Some specimens of blue daze
may survive light frosts, especially if they have been mulched.
Propagation: Propagate blue daze from softwood stem cuttings or by
seed. The stems tend to take root where they touch the ground, so
blue daze can be propagated easily by separating rooted stems from
the mother plant.
Usage
Outdoors, grow blue daze in a sandy, well drained soil. Mulch to
prevent competition from weeds. The feltlike gray-green foliage and
pale blue flowers make blue daze a standout in beds and borders or
as a ground cover. It's especially attractive grown in masses along
with yellow or pink flowering plants. Blue daze is spectacular in
hanging containers. It is highly tolerant of salt, and makes a fine
ornamental for the coastal garden or in a planter on an oceanside
balcony. Let it cascade over a window box or a porch planter.
Features
"Evolvulus blue daze" is the most frequently used common name,
whereas Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue Daze' is the correct cultivar
name. This plant is sometimes confused with a hardier North American
species and sold under the name Evolvulus pilosus 'Blue Daze'.
However, the North American species is seldom found in cultivation.
The generic name comes from the Latin for "untwist", referring to
the nonclimbing habit, unusual among members of the morning glory
family. |
