The Brazilian Dwarf Morning Glory, or botanically Evolvulus glomeratus (ee-VOLV-yoo-lus glahm-er-AH-tus) is a member of the family Convolvulaceae family (kon-volv-yoo-LAY-see-ee) along with bindweed and the Dichondra plant.
As this common name implies, the tender, non-vining, herbaceous perennial is native to South America (Brazil).
In warm climates, the Evolvulus glomeratus is a tender perennial. In areas experiencing cold winters, it grows as an annual.
The plant’s genus name comes from the Latin word ‘evolvo’, which means unraveled or untwisted.
This is a reference to this type of convolvulus plant that does not twine and twist around a climbing structure.
The specific epithet, glomeratus, means clustered into a round head to reference how the true blue flowers grow.
This plant goes by several common names, including:
- Evolvulus
- Hawaiian Blue Eyes
- Morning Glory Evolvulus
- Evolvulus Morning Glory
- Blue My Mind – a popular variety from Proven Winners
- Blue Daze
- Shaggy dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus nuttallianus)
Evolvulus Glomeratus Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Evolvulus Glomeratus
- Common Name(s): Dwarf Morning Glory, Blue Daze, Evolvulus, Hawaiian Blue Eyes, Morning Glory Evolvulus, Evolvulus Morning Glory, Blue My Mind
- Synonyms: None
- Pronunciation: Ee-VOLV-yoo-lus glahm-er-AH-tus
- Family & Origin: Convolvulaceae family, native to South America, Brazil
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: 9-11
- Size: Grows up to 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide
- Flowering: Blooms with colorful blue blooms from early summer until the first frost
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Humidity: Average humidity levels of around 30-50 percent
- Temperature: Prefers temperatures above 65° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Well-draining soil enriched with organic compost
- Water: Water regularly, but do not overwater
- Fertilizer: Fertilize with slow-release fertilizer, granulated starter fertilizer, or a balanced all-purpose feed in summer
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible root rot and fungal infections
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or by seed
- Plant Uses: Used as a ground cover, in containers, hanging baskets, or as a border plant. Attracts butterflies and bees.
Dwarf Brazilian Morning Glory Care
Size and Growth
Dwarf Evolvulus can grow to a height of about 1 1/2′ feet, far from the ipomoea, the tallest morning glory species.
Individual plants may spread 3′ feet wide and produce fuzzy, silvery-green foliage.
Medium blue/green leaves are similar to those of the plant’s larger cousin.
They are slightly smaller, heart-shaped, and a little bit furry.
Flowering and Blue Bloom Color
This pretty cousin of the classic morning glory produces attractive colorful blue blooms with a yellow throat from late spring until the first frost.
As for bloom time, these blue flowers are open in the early morning hours and tend to close in the afternoon and during cloudy weather.
Light and Temperature
These heat-loving plants tolerate partial shade but do best in full sun but need shielding from light frost.
Dwarf Morning Glory thrives in the summer heat and flowers best in temperatures above 65° degrees Fahrenheit.
Evolvulus is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In all other USDA zones, it grows as an annual.
Watering and Feeding
Hawaiian Blue Eyes are somewhat drought tolerant but do best when consistently watered throughout hot weather days.
Moreover, it grows well in average humidity levels of around 30-50 percent.
In addition, this plant thrives when it receives consistent moisture. However, it doesn’t sit in soggy soil, as too much water can make the leaves and stems wilt and turn from green to yellow.
Use a slow release fertilizer, and keep plants well mulched with a good dose of compost. You can also boost your plants by feeding granulated starter fertilizer or a balanced all-purpose feed in summer.
Soil and Transplanting
Well-draining soil enriched with organic compost is ideal. Keep newly transplanted seedlings protected and well-watered until they become well-established.
Grooming and Maintenance
Blue My Mind is a set-it-and-forget-it groundcover or bedding plant. Once the plant is well-established, it needs little care.
Pruning and deadheading are unnecessary for this low-maintenance plant. However, you can prune Shaggy Dwarf morning glory once you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season.
How To Propagate Dwarf Morning Glory
The plant can be grown from flower seeds, much like its climbing cousin.
Morning glory seeds are also readily available in nurseries as cell packs in the springtime.
Take stem cuttings from established plants during the summertime.
Root them in water and then transfer them to individual pots to keep indoors during the winter.
Use these as stock to grow new plants outdoors in the springtime.
Morning Glory Glomeratus Pest or Diseases
As with many plants, excessive watering and overcrowding can cause problems with root rot and fungal infections.
Otherwise, these plants are pest and trouble-free. It’s also resistant to deer.
Is Evolvulus Considered Toxic or Poisonous To People, Kids, Pets?
According to the Pacific Islands Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) website, Evolvulus glomeratus carries a very low risk of toxicity and has a score of zero toxicity on their scale.
Is Evolvulus Considered Invasive?
According to invasive.org, dwarf Brazilian morning glory is not invasive in any part of North America.
Uses For Evolvulus Glomeratus
Dwarf Brazilian Morning Glory, with its blue flower and ability to handle drought conditions, makes it an excellent groundcover.
Several popular convolvulus family varieties include:
- Blue My Mind – a lover of hot weather and full sun exposure from Proven Winners!
- Royal Ensign – (convolvulus tricolor) Mounding deep blue variety, hardy, compact from the Mediterranean region.
It is also beautiful as a container plant and looks pretty cascading over hanging baskets.
Although it does not climb, it is a good candidate as a trailing plant over structures such as stone walls.
Moreover, this plant attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it an excellent plant in butterfly gardens and coastal gardens as it tolerates salty conditions.
When grown as an annual, Dwarf Brazilian Morning Glory also makes a lovely perennial groundcover as it spreads over flower beds or stone walls.
It also serves as a beautiful backdrop due to its grey-green foliage and plentiful brilliant blue funnel-shaped flowers.