Blue Daze

Evolvulus glomeratus

Characteristics

Culture

A tender perennial, Blue Daze is winter hardy to USDA Zones 9 to 11. In colder zones, it is grown as an annual in hanging baskets and containers or in the ground as a bedding plant or ground cover. Blue Daze tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy soils and soils with poor nutrient levels. However, the soil must be well-drained, as Blue Daze plants that are too wet can quickly contract fungal diseases that will severely shorten their life span. Regular moisture and a balanced fertilizer will help get the plants established. The plants’ grey-green foliage serves as a backdrop for small but plentiful brilliant blue funnel-shaped flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Evolvulus glomeratus is a non-vining morning glory-like tender perennial with trailing stems that is native to Brazil. If planted in the ground as a bedding plant, it typically forms sprawling foliage mounds to 9-18” tall. Trailing stems tend to grow somewhat horizontally to downward when planted in baskets or containers. It has brilliant blue flowers over a carpet of fuzzy, oval-shaped green leaves. As an annual in containers, it is often hung over the edge of baskets; as a perennial ground cover, it spreads over stone walls or flower beds. It is not a hardy plant, but if planted in the ground, it will form sprawling mounds 9 to 18 inches tall. Trailing stems tend to grow somewhat horizontally to downward when planted in baskets or containers. Flowers usually close up at night and on cloudy days.

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Hanging baskets, containers, small area ground cover or trailing over stone walls.