Beach Morning Glory Calystegia soldanella
ABOUT
Calystegia soldanella, commonly known as the beach morning glory, is a perennial plant that boasts a creeping habit, indicative of its ability to sprawl across the surfaces it occupies. Its stems are often fleshy and bear small, oval green leaves that can sometimes have a slightly silvery or grayish hue, demonstrating its adaptability to sandy soils and coastal conditions. The beach morning glory is particularly admired for its showy flowers which emerge in the warmer months. These blossoms are funnel-shaped and can vary in color from a gentle pink to an eye-catching bright magenta, typically displaying a paler center and darker throats. The petals fuse to form a tube that flares open at the mouth into five pointed lobes, often exhibiting delicate streaks or striations that can attract pollinators. In addition to its foliage and floral display, the plant produces fruit in the form of small capsules containing the seeds that facilitate its spread in the right conditions. The overall appearance of the beach morning glory is that of a hardy coastal dweller with a capacity for both subtle beauty and a tenacious, ground-covering nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Convolvulaceae.
Synonyms
Beach Morning Glory, Sea Bindweed, Coastal Morning Glory, Seaside False Bindweed.
Common names
Convolvulus soldanella, Calystegia soldanella var. villosissima.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as beach morning glory is not widely recognized as toxic to humans. There is limited information available on the toxicity of beach morning glory, and it is not typically listed among poisonous plants. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is generally advised to avoid ingesting plants that are not known to be safe for consumption. If beach morning glory is ingested and adverse effects are observed, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.
To pets
Beach morning glory is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of significant data indicating that this plant poses a substantial threat to animals. However, pet owners should exercise caution and prevent pets from consuming plants that are not explicitly known to be safe. If a pet consumes beach morning glory and any signs of illness occur, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 feet 0 inches (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet 0 inches (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Coastal Stabilization: Calystegia soldanella, commonly known as beach morning glory, has strong roots that help to stabilize sand dunes and coastal areas against erosion.
- Habitat Creation: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other insects that rely on native plant species.
- Aesthetic Value: Beach morning glory has attractive, funnel-shaped flowers that enhance the visual appeal of coastal landscapes and gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to sandy soils and saline conditions, it is a hardy plant that requires minimal watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system reduces the impact of rainwater and wind, limiting soil erosion in the areas where it grows.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardening.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the health of local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Beach stabilization: Calystegia soldanella, also known as beach morning glory, can be utilized in coastal environments to help stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion due to its robust root system.
- Garden ornamental: With its attractive flowers and foliage, beach morning glory is often planted in gardens for aesthetic purposes, particularly in seaside or coastal-themed landscapes.
- Educational tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about native coastal flora and the importance of preserving natural coastal ecosystems.
- Biological research: Beach morning glory may serve as a subject in scientific studies investigating plant adaptation to saline environments and other coastal stressors.
- Ecological indicator: The presence of beach morning glory can indicate the health of a coastal ecosystem, as it thrives in well-preserved dune systems.
- Crafts: The vines and flowers of beach morning glory can be used in artistic crafts, such as making natural wreaths or botanical prints.
- Groundcover: In some landscaping situations, beach morning glory can be used to provide a low-maintenance groundcover that requires minimal watering and care.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly consumed, the flowers can occasionally be used as an edible decoration on dishes in high-end culinary settings.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of beach morning glory makes it a popular subject for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Natural barrier: When grown densely, beach morning glory can serve as a natural barrier, delineating spaces or providing privacy in garden settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Beach Morning Glory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Beach Morning Glory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Calystegia soldanella, commonly known as Beach Morning Glory, has an ability to thrive in sandy and salty conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in challenging environments.
- Adaptability: As a plant that grows in coastal areas, Beach Morning Glory represents adaptability to various habitats and changing circumstances.
- Perseverance: The way Beach Morning Glory persists through the coastal elements and remains rooted is often seen as a symbol of perseverance in life's trials.
- Expansion: With its sprawling vines, Beach Morning Glory exemplifies expansion and growth, both physically and metaphorically.
- Beauty and Hope: The bright blooms of Beach Morning Glory symbolize beauty and hope, bringing light to coastal landscapes and inspiring those who encounter it.
WaterThe Beach Morning Glory requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generally, it should be watered deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall, heat, and the plant's established size. During hot summer days, you may need to water twice a week to maintain proper soil moisture. Overwintering plants require less water, and the frequency should be reduced to avoid rot.
LightThe Beach Morning Glory thrives best in full sunlight, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be an open area, with unfiltered sunlight, that mimics its natural coastal environment. However, it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates where the afternoon sun can be particularly intense.
TemperatureThe Beach Morning Glory can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can establish in USDA zones 7-10, which means it can survive minimum temperatures starting around 0°F. The ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F and 75°F. It's important to protect the plant from frost, which can damage or kill it.
PruningPruning the Beach Morning Glory is generally done to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged growth, and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done lightly throughout the growing season to maintain the desired shape and size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBeach Morning Glory prefers well-draining, sandy soil with moderate fertility and a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. For the best soil mix, combine equal parts of sand, loamy garden soil, and compost to ensure good drainage and provide essential nutrients.
RepottingBeach Morning Glory does not commonly require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container, which will ensure adequate space for root growth and overall plant health.
Humidity & MistingBeach Morning Glory thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, typical of coastal environments. Aim for humidity levels around 60-80% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Position in bright, indirect light and keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleCalystegia soldanella, commonly known as beach morning glory, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is aided by warm temperatures and occurs typically in sandy soils. Following germination, the plant develops a root system and sends up shoots, progressing to the seedling stage where the first true leaves develop, specialized for photosynthesis. As it matures into the vegetative stage, it forms a dense ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and vigorous, trailing stems. The flowering stage comes next, with the beach morning glory producing funnel-shaped flowers that are typically pink or purple and bloom from late spring to early fall. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by insects such as bees, the plant produces fruit capsules containing seeds. After seed dispersal, which can be aided by water or animals, the plant completes its life cycle, and these seeds may lie dormant until conditions are favorable for starting the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Beach Morning Glory, known botanically as Calystegia soldanella, can be propagated most effectively through seeds. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). To start, the hard seed coat should be nicked or filed, and then the seeds soaked in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates. After preparation, seeds can be sown directly into well-draining soil in a sunny location. Covering the seeds with about a quarter inch (6.35 millimeters) of soil and keeping the soil moist without being waterlogged will provide the best conditions for seedlings to emerge. Once the plants are established, they typically spread and can be expected to self-seed under favorable conditions.
