The Brazilian Dwarf Morning Glory or botanically Evolvulus glomeratus (ee-VOLV-yoo-lus glahm-er-AH-tus) is a member of the family Convolvulaceae (kon-volv-yoo-LAY-see-ee) along with bindweed and the Dichondra plant.
As this common name implies, the plant is native to South America.
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 as a reference to the way the 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.
Dwarf Brazilian Morning Glory Care
Size & Growth
Dwarf Evolvulus can grow to a height of about 1 1/2′ feet, far from the ipomoea which is the tallest morning glory species.
Individual plants may spread 3′ feet wide.
Medium blue/green leaves are similar to those of the plant’s larger cousin.
They are slightly smaller, heart-shaped and little bit furry.
Flowering & Blue Bloom Color
This pretty cousin of the classic morning glory produces attractive colorful blue blooms with a yellow throat from early summer 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 & Temperature
These heat-loving plants tolerate partial shade but do best in full sun but need shielding from light frost.
Evolvulus is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. In all other USDA zones, it grows as an annual.
Watering & Feeding
Hawaiian Blue Eyes are somewhat drought tolerant, but they do best when consistently watered throughout hot weather days.
Use a slow release fertilizer, and keep plants well mulched with organic compost.
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Soil & Transplanting
Well-draining soil enriched with organic compost is ideal. Keep newly transplanted seedlings protected and well watered until they become well established.
Grooming & 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.
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 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.
Is Evolvulus Considered Toxic or Poisonous To People, Kids, Pets?
According to the Pacific Island 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.
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.
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