The Convolvulus boissieri, commonly known as Chilean Morning Glory, is a captivating perennial plant. A lesser-known member of the bindweed family, it is valued for its delicate beauty and adaptability in garden settings. It serves as an excellent choice for unique groundcover or rock garden specimens, with its charming flowers and distinctive foliage enhancing its ornamental appeal.
Understanding Chilean Morning Glory
Convolvulus boissieri features a compact, cushion-forming growth habit, spreading up to 30 cm or more in diameter. Its ovate leaves are often crowded and covered with silvery-white hairs, giving them a soft, velvety appearance. The small, funnel-shaped flowers, typically white with a pink blush, reach up to 2 cm in diameter, creating a striking display.
Native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Spain and parts of Southeast Europe, this plant thrives in dry, rocky areas and screes. Its origin influences its inherent hardiness, allowing it to withstand periods of drought and tolerate light frosts. Unlike many common morning glories, which belong to the Ipomoea genus and are often annuals, Convolvulus boissieri is a true perennial, returning year after year in suitable climates.
Growing and Caring for Chilean Morning Glory
For successful cultivation, Chilean Morning Glory requires full sun exposure. It prefers well-draining soil, ideally sandy or rocky substrates, mirroring its natural Mediterranean habitat. Once established, it exhibits drought tolerance, though consistent watering during prolonged dry spells encourages continuous flowering.
This perennial tolerates light frosts, making it suitable for regions with mild winters. It requires minimal fertilization; an occasional application of an all-purpose fertilizer in spring supports healthy growth. Pruning can manage its size, maintain its shape, and promote prolific blooms throughout the growing season.
Propagating Chilean Morning Glory
Chilean Morning Glory can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Seeds are best sown in spring after the last frost. Some seeds benefit from scarification, which involves lightly abrading the hard seed coat to improve germination rates. Seeds require light for germination, so press them lightly into the soil surface.
Stem cuttings offer a reliable method for propagation. Non-flowering stems can be taken in spring or early summer, cut just below a leaf node, and rooted in a suitable moist medium. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can improve rooting. Once rooted, transplant young plants to their permanent locations.
Addressing Common Concerns
Chilean Morning Glory is resistant to most common garden pests and diseases. While it may occasionally encounter pests like aphids, these are manageable with standard horticultural practices. This resilience contributes to its low-maintenance appeal.
The plant’s cushion-forming growth habit allows it to spread as a groundcover. Convolvulus boissieri is non-invasive, making it suitable for controlled spreading in rock gardens or on slopes. In colder climates, foliage may die back in winter, but it regrows from the roots in spring. Mulch can be added around the base for winter protection.