Ground Morning Glory

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 6-12 inches
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: sky blue, lavender, or purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius): A Colorful, Cascading Beauty for Sunny Gardens

Ground Morning Glory (Convolvulus sabatius), native to the Mediterranean, is beloved for its vibrant blooms, trailing habit, and versatility in gardens and containers. Known for its lush display, this low-growing perennial, also called Blue Convolvulus or Trailing Blue Morning Glory, is an ideal choice for sunny spaces where it can create a charming, overflowing effect.

Key Features of Ground Morning Glory

• Vibrant Blooms: Sky blue, lavender, or purple trumpet-shaped flowers bloom prolifically from late spring through fall. True to its name, the blooms open in the morning and close in the afternoon, adding a fresh burst of color daily.
• Trailing Habit: Reaching about 6-12 inches in height with a 1-2 foot spread, it forms lush green foliage that gracefully cascades over the edges of containers, hanging baskets, and walls.

Growing and Care Requirements

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, which encourages abundant flowering.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate brief periods of dryness once established, though regular watering enhances blooming.
• Watering: Needs consistent moisture in the growing season but is moderately drought-tolerant when mature.
• Cold Sensitivity: Hardy in warmer climates as a perennial, often grown as an annual in frost-prone areas.

Landscaping Uses

• Hanging Baskets and Containers: Perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers, where its trailing vines create a lush, cascading effect.
• Ground Cover: Works beautifully as a ground cover in sunny borders and along paths, adding a soft, textural element to the landscape.
• Walls and Terraces: Adds dynamic color as it spills over walls and terraces, enhancing Mediterranean-style and drought-tolerant gardens.

Summary

Ground Morning Glory is an easy-care and visually striking plant that adds lasting color and texture to sunny garden areas. Its trailing habit, vibrant flowers, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create vibrant, cascading displays in containers or as ground cover, adding depth and interest to the landscape. Perfect for Mediterranean and xeriscape-inspired designs, this plant shines in warm, sun-drenched spaces.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Ground Morning Glory

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart for ground cover or spreading growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Ground Morning Glory spreads as a low-growing ground cover and requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Ground Morning Glory is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks