Brazilian dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus glomeratus)

Overview

The Brazilian dwarf morning-glory, known scientifically as Evolvulus glomeratus, provides gardeners with non-vining, trailing foliage perfect for softening hard edges or spilling from containers. This tender perennial, often grown as an annual, is prized for its low maintenance requirements combined with its continuous display of bright blue, morning-glory-like flowers. Its sprawling habit makes this species an excellent, colorful ground cover in warmer climates.

Native to South America, Evolvulus glomeratus establishes quickly, offering vibrant color from early summer right through to the first frost date. Unlike true twining morning glories, this plant maintains a tidy, mounding or trailing form, spreading two to three feet wide while remaining relatively short. This characteristic allows it to be utilized effectively where vertical climbing is undesirable.

Its easy-going nature means that the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory asks for little attention once established, making it perfect for busy gardeners or large landscape installations. Whether used as an annual bedding plant or treated as a hardy perennial in its warmest zones, its fine texture and intense blue flowers are a significant asset.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Convolvulaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: South America
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: June to frost
• Bloom Description: Blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The best time to establish Evolvulus glomeratus is in spring after all danger of frost has passed, especially when treating it as an annual. Seek out starter plants in popular cell packs at your local nursery. Plant it in a location receiving full sun, as insufficient light will cause the flowers to close prematurely. While adaptable, it performs best in well-draining soil, which is crucial for healthy root development.

Maintenance for the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory is notably low. Provide consistent, medium water, especially during dry spells, but ensure the soil does not remain waterlogged. It generally does not require significant fertilization to flower prolifically, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied at planting is often beneficial. Minimal pruning is necessary due to its natural trailing habit.

Gardeners in zones lower than 9 often grow Evolvulus glomeratus in seasonal applications like hanging baskets and containers. For those wishing to overwinter this tender perennial, take cuttings from established plants during the summer months. Overwintering requires a bright, cool location indoors with distinctly reduced watering until spring arrives.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of Brazilian dwarf morning-glory makes it a garden staple. Its recommended uses highlight its ability to spread and trail gracefully. Use it as a dynamic ground cover in small areas where its two-to-three-foot spread can effectively suppress weeds and provide continuous blue color.

This plant truly excels when used as an accent in containers or hanging baskets. When placed high, the stems cascade downward, softening the hard edges of pots or window boxes, creating a spilling flower waterfall effect. For a stunning architectural contrast, plant Evolvulus glomeratus to trail over retaining walls or the edges of rock gardens.

When planning borders, consider pairing the brilliant blue of the Evolvulus with contrasting warm colors like yellow or orange annuals. Its low profile means it works well in the front of mixed sunny borders, ensuring that taller selections do not shade out this sun-loving display.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Evolvulus glomeratus is a non-vining morning glory-like tender perennial with trailing stems that is native to Brazil. If planted in the ground as a bedding plant, it typically forms sprawling foliage mounds to 9-18” tall. Trailing stems tend to grow somewhat horizontally to downward when planted in baskets or containers. Flowers usually close up at night and on cloudy days. Genus name comes from the Latin word evolvo meaning “to untwist or unravel” because members of this genus, unlike many others in the Convolvulaceae family, do not twine.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

This plant suffers from no known serious insect or disease problems, contributing significantly to its appeal as a low-maintenance choice. This relative pest and disease resistance means fewer chemical inputs are typically needed in the landscape. Monitor for general garden pests during hot, dry periods, but significant outbreaks are uncommon for Evolvulus glomeratus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Brazilian dwarf morning-glory suitable for?

Brazilian dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus glomeratus) is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11, though it thrives best as a perennial in Zones 9 to 11.

How large does Brazilian dwarf morning-glory grow?

This plant typically achieves a height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall with a spread ranging from 2 to 3 feet wide, forming a low, spreading mound or trailer.

What sun exposure does Brazilian dwarf morning-glory need?

Evolvulus glomeratus requires full sun exposure to maintain the best growth habit and encourage maximum flower production throughout the season.

When does Brazilian dwarf morning-glory bloom?

You can expect continuous blooms from the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory starting in June and continuing until the arrival of the first fall frost.

Conclusion

The Brazilian dwarf morning-glory offers an exceptional combination of brilliant blue color and effortless, trailing texture, making Evolvulus glomeratus highly valuable for sunny spots needing low-effort coverage. Its minimal maintenance and extended bloom window from June to frost secure its place in annual and perennial displays alike. Check your local USDA zone compatibility now and plan to incorporate this vibrant, non-vining beauty into your containers or landscape beds this spring.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Evolvulus glomeratus, focus on other sun-loving, medium-water plants that complement its spreading habit. Plants with contrasting foliage color, such as silvery Artemisia or chartreuse Sedum varieties, create striking visual interest against the deep blue flowers. For a classic cottage garden look, pair it with hot-colored zinnias or upright petunias, ensuring all share the requirement for full, unrelenting sun.

Design Ideas for Containers

In container arrangements, utilize the “thriller, filler, spiller” method where E. glomeratus excels as the spiller. Place a taller structural element (thriller) in the center, such as a small ornamental grass or upright geranium. Fill the intermediate space with mounding sun lovers (fillers) like calibrachoa or portulaca. Position the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory near the edges so its stems can cascade attractively over the lip of the container.