Dwarf Morning Glory

(Evolvulus sp.)

• Cultivars: Blue My Mind, Blue Daze, Beach Bum Blue

• Recommended Use: This versatile plant can be used in just about any space. Use as a border or groundcover in landscapes to provide a pop of color. The trailing habit of Evolvulus also lends itself to mixed-container and hanging basket arrangements.

• Exposure: Full sun

• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall, 8 to 16 inches wide

• Habit: Low, spreading mound

• Bloom Time: Spring until frost, continuous bloomer

• Maintenance Category: Low

• Water Use: Requires well-drained soil with regular watering during establishment. Evolvulus can handle reduced irrigation once established.

• Highlights: Low maintenance, heat- and drought-tolerant, continuous blooming, versatile ornamental uses

Summary

Evolvulus, or dwarf morning glory, is a tender perennial native to Brazil. Its tropical origin makes it adaptable to the heat and humidity of the southern climate and a perfect addition to Louisiana landscapes. Flowers bloom in shades of blue across a bed of soft gray-green foliage from spring planting to first frost. The funnel-shaped flowers open in the morning (hence the common name — morning glory) to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies before closing in the afternoon heat. This low-maintenance plant requires only basic care in terms of irrigation and fertilization. What makes Evolvulus a standout in the landscape is its heat and drought tolerance once established in the garden. Make sure to plant in well-drained soil, irrigate regularly until established and apply a balanced fertilizer at planting to jumpstart spring growth and flowering. Evolvulus requires no deadheading, making it an attractive option in the landscape. It boasts no major pests and disease problems, which is a plus in southeast Louisiana, known for its problems with fungal disease that come with high-humidity environment. Small but mighty, Evolvulus is a powerhouse in the home landscape. Its growth habit makes it ideal for borders, edgings and mass plantings in landscape beds as well as a spiller in containers and hanging baskets. Two cultivars have been designated Louisiana Super Plants: Blue My Mind and Blue Daze, both with exquisite true-blue flowers blooming all season long. A third cultivar, Beach Bum Blue, is another outstanding performer in the Louisiana landscape and can be found in nurseries and garden centers throughout the state.

Requirements

• Provide well-drained soil and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal disease.

• Plant in full sun for best performance. It can also tolerate afternoon shade.

• Evolvulus does well in landscape beds or in container settings.

• Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to provide adequate air flow in the canopy and prevent fungal disease.

• Plant in the spring after danger of frost has passed. Evolvulus will perennialize in warm climates (USDA zones 9 through 11) but will not survive hard freezes.

Growth Habit

• Low-growing bedding plant with a spreading growth habit

• Reaches 6 to 12 inches in height and 6 to 18 inches wide

• Looks great as a border or container planting

Care and Maintenance

• Evolvulus is heat and drought tolerant once established.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting to help plants establish in the landscape.

• It requires little day-to-day maintenance.

• No pruning or deadheading is necessary.

• Information about the safety of preemergence herbicides for use around Evolvulus is limited. Some preemergence herbicides labeled for use around other bedding plants allow for use around unlisted species so long as the user first tests the product in a small area to ensure there is no injury. Consider performing such a test if preemergence herbicides are needed. It is the operator’s responsibility to follow all labeled instructions when using herbicides.

• Postemergence herbicides containing caprylic acid (Fireworxx, HomePlate, others) may be used in targeted applications to emerged weeds so long as the spray solution does not contact Evolvulus shoots or foliage. Follow all product label directions and restrictions when using herbicides.

For more information on Evolvulus and other Louisiana Super Plants, contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension office or visit www.LSUAgCenter.com/SuperPlants

Ashley Hickman is a contributing author.

P3707-MM

2/23/26
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