Dwarf Morning Glory Convolvulus tricolor 'Blue Ensign'
ABOUT
The Blue Ensign is known for its striking, tri-colored flowers which typically bloom in a vibrant blend that showcases a deep blue at the outer edges, a white ring towards the center, and a yellow heart. These funnel-shaped blossoms are a distinct feature of the plant and are what primarily attract gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The plant's foliage complements its colorful flowers with green, arrow-shaped leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the bright bloom display. The overall appearance of the Blue Ensign is characterized by a harmonious contrast between the vivid hues of its blooms and the soft green of its leaves, creating an eye-catching display in any garden where it is cultivated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Convolvulaceae.
Synonyms
Dwarf Morning Glory, Ensign Series, Tricolor Morning Glory, Bindweed.
Common names
Convolvulus minor, Convolvulus tricolor.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Dwarf morning glory is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption and could potentially cause a negative reaction due to individual sensitivities or the presence of pesticides and other chemicals used in gardening.
To pets
Dwarf morning glory is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. Nevertheless, it is good practice to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, as ingestion can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction due to individual sensitivities, or from pesticides and other chemicals that may be present on the plant. If a pet does ingest some of the plant and shows symptoms of distress, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: The plant is quite hardy and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination in the garden.
- Ground Cover: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover, controlling weeds and preventing soil erosion.
- Colorful Blooms: Blue Ensign produces vibrant blue flowers with yellow and white centers that add a splash of color to garden spaces.
- Compact Size: With its compact growth, it is an ideal choice for containers, hanging baskets, and small garden beds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant exhibits drought tolerance, requiring minimal watering in suitable climates.
- Fast Growing: It has a rapid growth rate, quickly filling in garden areas and providing immediate visual impact.
- Seasonal Interest: Blue Ensign offers seasonal visual interest, especially in the spring and summer with its abundant flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The pigments from the Blue Ensign's petals can be used to create natural inks for art and writing purposes.
- Photography Backdrops: Due to its vibrant colors, Blue Ensign can serve as an attractive backdrop for photographers, particularly in macro photography.
- Companion Planting: Blue Ensign can be used in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, benefiting plants that require insect pollination.
- Edible Garnish: The colorful flowers can be used as an edible garnish, adding both visual appeal and a mild flavor to various dishes.
- Dye for Textiles: Blue Ensign petals can be used to naturally dye textiles, providing a range of blue hues to fabrics.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about the growth and life cycle of flowering plants.
- Culinary Experiments: Flower petals can be crystallized with sugar and used to decorate desserts or as unique ingredients in culinary experiments.
- Crafts: Dried flowers of the Blue Ensign can be incorporated into crafts, such as pressed flower art or homemade potpourri.
- Landscape Painting: Artists may use the live plant as a model for landscape paintings or as inspiration for botanical illustrations.
- Seasonal Celebrations: In some cultures, the flowers may be used in festivals or celebrations as symbols of beauty or to represent the colors of a national flag.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dwarf Morning Glory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dwarf Morning Glory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Binding Love: The Convolvulus, also known as Dwarf Morning Glory, often symbolizes binding love due to its climbing nature and the way it can wrap itself around objects.
- Fleeting Beauty: Dwarf Morning Glory has short-lived flowers that usually last for a single day, representing the transient nature of beauty.
- Affection: With its showy and bright blue flowers, the Dwarf Morning Glory is also seen as a symbol of affection.
WaterThe Dwarf Morning Glory needs moderate but consistent watering. It's best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be about once a week depending on the climate and the environment. Provide enough water to soak the soil without leaving the plant waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. In general, aim for about 1 gallon of water every seven to ten days during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant.
LightThe Dwarf Morning Glory thrives in full sun, so it should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate partial shade; however, too much shade can lead to fewer blooms. Make sure that the location is free from any significant obstructions that could block sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Dwarf Morning Glory prefers warmer temperatures and does well in environments with daytime temperatures averaging between 65°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F but is sensitive to frost and needs protection if the temperature drops below this threshold. Ideally, the Dwarf Morning Glory should not be subjected to temperatures above 90°F as excessive heat can stress the plant.
PruningThe Dwarf Morning Glory benefits from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and to remove dead or yellowing leaves. Snip the stems just above a leaf node to promote branching, which can be done every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to prune is in the early spring before the plant starts to put out new growth, but light pruning can be done throughout the year if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf morning glory thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this plant would include equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingDwarf morning glory is generally grown as an annual and rarely requires repotting. If grown in containers, repotting should be done every spring if the plant survives the winter.
Humidity & MistingDwarf morning glory prefers a moderate level of humidity, consistent with outdoor conditions. There's no need for high humidity; average room humidity suffices for indoor cultivation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep fairly dry between watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Dwarf Morning Glory 'Blue Ensign' (Convolvulus tricolor 'Blue Ensign') begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in early spring when soil temperatures warm. Following germination, seedlings establish themselves quickly, developing root systems and foliage. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive tricolor flowers with a blue edge, white middle, and yellow center, generally flowering from early summer to early fall. After pollination, which is often aided by bees and other insects, the flowers produce small, round seeds that will drop to the ground and can self-sow under suitable conditions. As an annual, once Dwarf Morning Glory sets seed, the parent plant completes its life cycle and dies with the onset of colder weather. If seeds have fallen to nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and are not disturbed, they will overwinter and begin the life cycle anew when conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating Dwarf Morning Glory, scientifically known as Convolvulus tricolor 'Blue Ensign', is by sowing seeds directly into the soil. The optimal time for sowing seeds is after the danger of frost has passed in the spring as they require warm soil to germinate. To propagate, sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into well-draining soil and space them approximately 8 to 12 inches apart. It is important to keep the soil moderately moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings are established and show significant growth, thin them out if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can impede their development and reduce airflow.
