The Blue Daze plant (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a popular choice for gardens, known for its vibrant blue flowers and silvery-green foliage. This non-vining perennial, often grown as an annual in cooler climates, blooms continuously from late spring until the first frost. Despite its prolific flowering, Blue Daze plants sometimes fail to bloom.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Blue Daze
Blue Daze plants require full sun exposure, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, to encourage continuous flowering. This helps maintain their compact shape, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Consistent moisture is important for Evolvulus glomeratus, though well-drained soil is paramount. The soil should remain moist but never soggy, as overwatering can quickly lead to root rot. Blue Daze plants prefer moderately fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.2.
As a tropical plant, Blue Daze thrives in warm temperatures, ideally above 65°F (18°C), and is sensitive to frost. While they can tolerate some drought once established, consistent moisture is important for young plants. Providing balanced nutrients supports overall plant health, which is a prerequisite for robust blooming.
Common Reasons Your Blue Daze Isn’t Blooming
Insufficient sunlight is a primary reason for a lack of blooms. Plants not receiving enough direct light often become leggy and produce fewer flowers, losing their characteristic compact form.
Improper watering practices can severely inhibit flowering. Both underwatering, which stresses the plant, and overwatering, which can lead to root rot, negatively impact bloom production. Yellowing or dropping leaves often signal overwatering.
A nutrient imbalance, particularly an excess of nitrogen, can promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production. A deficiency in phosphorus, crucial for blooming, can also prevent flowering. While Blue Daze is generally considered disease-free, severe stress from issues like pythium fungus can divert energy away from bloom development.
Incorrect pruning can inadvertently remove developing flower buds, especially if done too aggressively or at the wrong time. A rootbound plant’s restricted root system can hinder its overall health and ability to bloom. Very young plants may not have reached sufficient maturity to bloom prolifically, and older plants might naturally produce fewer flowers as they age.
How to Encourage Blue Daze Blooms
To encourage abundant blooms, ensure your Blue Daze plant receives full sun exposure. Moving a plant from a shaded location to one with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily will significantly improve flowering and maintain its compact growth.
Adjusting watering practices is important; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings before providing a thorough soaking. Watering deeply but infrequently helps develop a strong root system and prevents root rot. Checking soil moisture before watering can prevent over or underwatering.
Fertilize your Blue Daze appropriately by using a balanced fertilizer or one with a higher phosphorus content to stimulate blooming. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage growth rather than flowers. Regular fertilization during the growing season supports continuous flowering.
Proper pruning techniques can enhance blooming. While Blue Daze is self-cleaning and does not require deadheading, light pinching back of new growth tips can encourage a bushier plant with more potential bloom sites. Avoid heavy pruning during the main blooming season to preserve flower buds. If the plant appears scraggly, trimming it back can rejuvenate growth and encourage new blooms.
If your plant is rootbound, repotting it into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix will provide space for root expansion and nutrient uptake. For any signs of pests or diseases, promptly inspect the plant and apply appropriate treatments to reduce stress and allow the plant to focus its energy on flowering.