Blue Daze, scientifically known as Evolvulus glomeratus, is a vibrant, low-growing plant celebrated for its striking, true-blue flowers. Its soft, silvery-green foliage provides a pleasing backdrop to continuous blooms. Popular in warmer climates, each five-petaled flower typically opens in the morning and closes by evening or on cloudy days.
Why Grow Blue Daze in Pots
Cultivating Blue Daze in containers offers several distinct advantages, providing gardeners greater flexibility and control. Pots allow for portability, making it easy to move plants to optimize sun exposure or protect them from unexpected cold snaps. This method also enables precise management of soil conditions, including pH and drainage, which can be challenging to control in garden beds. Container-grown Blue Daze can brighten small spaces like patios, balconies, and even indoor areas. Growing in pots often reduces issues with soil-borne diseases and can help isolate plants from certain pests.
Essential Care for Potted Blue Daze
Choosing the Right Container
Selecting an appropriate pot is important for the plant’s well-being. A 6-8 inch diameter pot is suitable for a young Blue Daze, with repotting to an 8-10 inch pot as the plant grows. Since the plant has a relatively shallow root system and stays compact, avoid overly large pots, as too much soil can retain excess water. Any pot material can be used, provided it has adequate drainage holes. Terracotta pots offer breathability and wick away moisture, which is beneficial for those who might overwater, while plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture longer.
Soil and Drainage
Blue Daze thrives in a well-draining potting mix. A standard all-purpose potting soil works well, especially if it includes amendments like perlite, coarse sand, or pine bark to enhance drainage. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0-6.5) but tolerates neutral or slightly alkaline conditions up to 7.5. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils that hold excessive moisture.
Light Requirements
Blue Daze is a sun-loving plant that requires ample light to flourish and produce abundant blooms. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. For potted plants, a south-facing window or full-sun location is ideal. Insufficient light results in leggy growth with sparse foliage and reduced flowering.
Watering Techniques
Consistent moisture benefits Blue Daze, but overwatering is harmful. Use the “finger test”: water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Water until it drains from the pot bottom, ensuring no excess collects in the saucer.
Overwatering is a common problem, leading to yellowing leaves and root rot. Under-watering causes wilting and crispy leaves. Watering frequency varies with temperature, light, and container material; more frequent watering is needed in hot, sunny conditions.
Feeding and Pruning
Blue Daze benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing and flowering season. Apply a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half-strength monthly. Alternatively, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied once or twice per season. Pruning maintains the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth, leading to more abundant flowers. Pinching back leggy stems promotes a more compact form.
Overwintering Potted Blue Daze
Blue Daze is a tender perennial, hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder climates, it is typically grown as an annual or requires indoor overwintering to survive. Bring potted plants inside before the first frost. During overwintering, provide bright, indirect light or supplemental grow lights to prevent legginess. Reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings, as the plant’s growth slows in cooler temperatures. Maintaining cooler indoor temperatures also helps simulate a period of dormancy.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Issues affecting potted Blue Daze often indicate specific environmental or care imbalances. Yellowing leaves signal overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. If soil is consistently wet and leaves yellow or wilt, root rot is possible; stop watering and inspect roots.
A lack of blooms stems from insufficient light, which is the primary factor, or inadequate fertilization. Leggy, stretched growth with sparse foliage indicates insufficient light, as the plant reaches for a stronger source. While generally pest-resistant, aphids or spider mites can occur and are often addressed with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.