Dwarf morning glory Convolvulus tricolor
ABOUT
Convolvulus tricolor, commonly known as Dwarf Morning Glory, is a showy, flowering plant that boasts a distinct and vividly colored bloom. The flowers are the most striking feature, presenting a unique tri-color pattern. The base color of the blooms is typically a deep, royal blue, which seamlessly blends into a white ring, followed by a vibrant yellow center, creating a striking contrast that resembles a target or bullseye pattern. The blooms of the Dwarf Morning Glory are funnel-shaped with a flared rim, and they unfurl to reveal their beauty primarily in the morning hours, often closing in the afternoon sun. A single bloom generally has five symmetrical petals that together create the characteristic funnel shape. The leaves of this plant are equally attractive but serve as a soft backdrop to the vivacious flowers. They are usually a medium green hue and are shaped like arrowheads or elongated hearts. The foliage is somewhat hairy with a slightly fuzzy texture, which adds to the plant's overall charm. Branching from the main stem, the stems of Dwarf Morning Glory are slender and delicate in appearance, supporting the leaves and flowers. The whole plant is well-branched, contributing to a bushy appearance that is lush and full when viewed as a whole. In summary, the Dwarf Morning Glory is adorned with tri-colored, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, and yellow, supported by heart-shaped green leaves on slender stems, presenting a cheerful and colorful display in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Convolvulaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Morning Glory, Tricolor Morning Glory, Bindweed, Blue Ensign, Tricolour Convolvulus, Tricolor Bindweed, Annual Morning Glory
Common names
Convolvulus minor, Convolvulus mauritanicus.
ToxicityTo humans
Dwarf morning glory is considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not cause poisoning or produce harmful symptoms. However, plants can vary in their effects on individuals, and some people may have allergic reactions or sensitivities. As with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid ingestion to prevent any potential adverse reactions.
To pets
Dwarf morning glory is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no well-documented evidence to suggest that pets, such as cats and dogs, will experience poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting parts of this plant. Nonetheless, it's always a good practice to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants, as individual reactions can vary, and some plants may cause gastrointestinal upset even if they are not classified as toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 feet (30 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Convolvulus tricolor, commonly known as dwarf morning glory, offers vibrant, funnel-shaped blooms which add color and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Dwarf morning glory is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established, which is suitable for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is moderately tolerant to drought conditions, making it a good choice for xeriscaping in arid environments.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
- Compact Growth: With its compact and bushy growth habit, dwarf morning glory is ideal for container gardening, borders, and small garden spaces.
- Fast Growing: Convolvulus tricolor has a quick growth rate, allowing gardeners to enjoy its blooms shortly after planting.
- Ground Cover: It can serve as an effective ground cover due to its spreading nature, helping to suppress weeds and protect soil from erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Blue Ensign (Convolvulus tricolor) seeds can be used in crafts, such as for making seed art or natural jewelry, due to their size and shape.
- Its vibrant flowers are sometimes used in the dye-making process to obtain natural colorants for fabrics and textiles.
- The fast-growing nature of Blue Ensign makes it suitable for use in educational projects about plant growth and life cycles in schools.
- The dense growth habit of Blue Ensign can serve as a living mulch, which helps to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- The striking blue flowers can be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts in culinary presentations.
- Flower photographers often use Blue Ensign as a subject due to its photogenic blooms and contrasting colors.
- Because of its fast growth and dense foliage, Blue Ensign can be used to quickly cover unsightly fences or garden features.
- The plant has been used in companion planting to attract pollinators to vegetable gardens and promote better yields.
- Some cultures use dried and pressed Blue Ensign flowers for making traditional botanical paper or as additions to homemade papers.
- Blue Ensign's ability to open in the morning and close in the evening has been used as a natural indicator of time, in a similar way to a sundial.
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 tricolor, also known as Dwarf Morning Glory, symbolizes the strength of love that binds people together, reflecting on its tendrils that cling and intertwine, reminiscent of a strong emotional connection.
- Ephemeral Beauty: As the Dwarf Morning Glory blooms in the morning and fades by the afternoon, it represents the transient nature of beauty and life, urging us to appreciate the fleeting moments before they pass.
- Tender Emotions: With its delicate and colorful blooms, the Dwarf Morning Glory is a symbol of tender feelings and gentle affection, often shared between close friends and family members.
- Hope and Resurrection: Because it blooms anew every day, the Dwarf Morning Glory represents hope, renewal, and the endless opportunities each new day brings.
WaterDwarf morning glory requires moderate but consistent watering to maintain moist soil, particularly during dry spells. Water the plant deeply once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil rather than just wetting the surface. During hot weather or in fast-draining soils, check the moisture level more frequently, as you may need to water twice a week. Avoid waterlogging by ensuring good drainage, as this plant does not like to sit in soggy soil.
LightDwarf morning glory thrives best in full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a spot where it can receive unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day for optimal blooming. While it can tolerate some light shade, too little sun can result in fewer flowers and leggy growth.
TemperatureDwarf morning glory prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but is not frost-tolerant. Protect the plant from cold drafts and frost to prevent damage, and understand that it performs best in warm conditions.
PruningPrune dwarf morning glory to encourage bushier growth and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size. The best time for more extensive pruning is in early spring, just as new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf morning glory thrives best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix for dwarf morning glory can include equal parts of peat, loam, and sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. Adding some compost to the mixture can help retain moderate moisture while providing essential nutrients.
RepottingDwarf morning glory is often grown as an annual, and therefore, repotting is not typically required. If grown as a perennial or overwintered, repotting can be done in the spring every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingDwarf morning glory prefers average humidity conditions and can tolerate some degree of dry air. Maintaining household humidity levels between 40% and 60% is generally suitable for this plant. No specific high humidity requirements are necessary for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and well-draining soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Convolvulus tricolor, commonly known as the Dwarf Morning Glory, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination grows into a small seedling. As it matures, it develops a root system and foliage through the vegetative growth stage. The plant then enters the flowering stage, where it produces its characteristic trumpet-shaped, tricolored blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit which contains seeds, ensuring the continuation of the species. Once the seeds are dispersed, the plant completes its life cycle and, if it is an annual variety, dies, whereas perennials may enter a period of dormancy before beginning the cycle again with new growth in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Convolvulus tricolor, commonly known as Dwarf Morning Glory, is by seed. Sowing can be done directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. To ensure the best germination rate, seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep (approximately 6 millimeters). Dwarf Morning Glory prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil. Seedlings will usually appear within two weeks under optimal conditions, with flowers following a few weeks later. For earlier blooms, seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and then transplanted carefully to the garden once the weather warms up.
