Introducing the Blue Daze ground cover plant, a vivid addition to any garden or landscape. Known for its striking sky-blue flowers and silvery-green leaves, Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a member of the morning glory family and native to Paraguay and Brazil.
This evergreen beauty is a low-growing plant and an ideal choice for those looking to add a pop of color to their outdoor space.
Thriving best in full sun exposure and sandy, well-drained soil, Blue Daze is not only low-maintenance but also suitable for xeriscaping and seaside landscaping.
You can showcase its trailing habit and delicate blue blooms as a ground cover or even in hanging baskets, where it will make a lasting impression. Get ready to enrich your garden with the captivating charm of Blue Daze.
Does Blue Daze Make Good Ground Cover?
Yes, Blue Daze (dwarf morning glory) is an excellent choice for ground cover due to its low-growing nature and attractive appearance. As an evergreen plant, it can provide year-round coverage, maintaining a lush and vibrant look throughout the seasons.
One of the key benefits of using Blue Daze as ground cover is its heat-loving and drought-tolerant qualities. This makes it particularly well-suited for regions where water usage might be a concern, or if you simply want a plant that requires minimal maintenance.
Blue Daze blooms with small, sky blue flowers that are about the size of a dime. These flowers open up during the day and close once the sun goes down, adding an eye-catching touch of color to your landscape. The foliage itself is green with hints of silver, providing an attractive contrast against the brightness of the flowers.
The plant typically grows to a height of less than 12 inches and spreads about 12 inches wide, making it ideal for various landscaping needs. You can use Blue Daze as a blooming ground cover, a small border plant, or even in rock gardens with well-drained, salty soil conditions.
Blue Daze Identification
In this section, you’ll learn to identify the Blue Daze ground cover plant by its traits and understand the distinctions between Blue Daze and Dwarf Morning Glory.
Evolvulus Blue Daze Traits
Evolvulus Blue Daze, also known as Evolvulus glomeratus, is a popular ground cover plant known for its bright and true blue flowers. It is a member of the Morning Glory family and closely related to the Dwarf Morning Glory. The Blue Daze plant is characterized by the following traits:
- Flowers: Small, funnel-shaped, and bright blue in color. Often referred to as Hawaiian Blue Eyes or Miniature Morning Glory.
- Leaves: Oval-shaped, green, and slightly hairy. This gives the plant its Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory nickname.
- Growth habit: Low-growing and spreading, creating a dense carpet of foliage and flowers.
- Sunlight requirements: Prefers full sun exposure to thrive and produce blooms.
- Hardiness zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11, making it ideal for warmer climates.
Blue Daze vs Dwarf Morning Glory
While Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) and Dwarf Morning Glory (Evolvulus species) are both members of the Morning Glory family, they have a few differences that set them apart:
| Trait | Blue Daze | Dwarf Morning Glory |
|---|---|---|
| Flower color | Bright, true blue | Varies (blue, white, pink, purple) |
| Flower size | Small, up to 1 inch in diameter | Slightly larger, up to 1.5 inches in diameter |
| Growth habit | Low, spreading ground cover | Vining, climbing or trailing |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established | May require more regular watering and care |
Now that you are familiar with the key traits of the Blue Daze plant and the differences between it and Dwarf Morning Glory, you can confidently identify and care for this beautiful ground cover species in your own garden.
Growing Conditions
Sunlight Requirements
Blue Daze Ground Cover thrives in full sunlight, making it an ideal choice for coastal gardens and areas with plenty of sun exposure. If grown as an annual, it can also tolerate partially shaded conditions. However, for the best bloom production, ensure your Blue Daze receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil and Drainage
Blue Daze prefers acidic soil, but it can tolerate a neutral pH as well. The most important thing is to provide your plant with well-drained, loamy soil. Inadequate drainage can lead to root rot and poor plant performance. To achieve optimal soil conditions for Blue Daze, consider the following pointers:
- Use a well-draining soil mixture that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
- Amend your garden soil with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil structure and drainage.
- Ensure the planting site does not have standing water or collect water after rainstorms.
By providing the right sunlight and soil conditions for your Blue Daze Ground Cover, you’re setting the stage for a healthy, vibrant plant that will add color and beauty to your garden. Take care of your Blue Daze by watering it consistently until it’s established and becomes more drought-tolerant.
Planting and Care
Blue Daze Care Tips
Blue Daze Ground Cover Plant (Evolvulus glomeratus) is an excellent addition to your garden. To ensure your plant thrives, follow these care tips:
- Sunlight: Blue Daze prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure your plant receives sufficient sunlight for optimal growth.
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Once established, Blue Daze can withstand drought conditions.
- Soil: This plant thrives in sandy soil and tolerates salty conditions, making it ideal for coastal gardens.
- Fertilizer: Use a slow-release fertilizer to encourage continuous blooming of the blue, ruffled petals.
- Growing Season: Blue Daze produces flowers in the spring and summer months, which will close during rainstorms or at night.
Remember to keep an eye on your Blue Daze Ground Cover Plant during its growing season and adjust your care accordingly.
Cold and Temperature Tolerance
Blue Daze is a tropical plant that thrives in USDA growing zones 8-11. It can tolerate some cold, but it’s essential to monitor the plant’s temperature tolerance to ensure its health:
- Cold Tolerance: While it can withstand mild cold spells, it is not suited for extended exposure to freezing temperatures. To protect your Blue Daze during colder periods, consider moving it indoors or into a greenhouse.
- Temperature Tolerance: The ideal temperature for Blue Daze is between 65°F and 85°F. If temperatures drop or rise significantly beyond this range, the plant may show signs of stress or stop blooming.
By being mindful of your Blue Daze Ground Cover Plant’s temperature tolerance, you can create a thriving environment for it to grow and flourish.
Special Features
Flower Behaviour
The Blue Daze flower (Evolvulus glomeratus Blue Daze) is a unique and intriguing member of the morning glory family. One of its most charming features is its flower behavior.
These lovely blooms open each morning to greet the day and typically close in the afternoon as sunlight begins to fade. This daily cycle makes Blue Daze flowers a delightful addition to your garden, adding a touch of enchantment and changing beauty throughout the day.
On cloudy days or when exposed to light frost, you may notice a slight change in the flower’s performance, but this resilient plant will persist in its blossoming behavior.
Versatility of Blue Daze
One of the many reasons people love the Blue Daze Evolvulus plant in their gardens is its remarkable versatility. Blue Daze can be grown as a ground cover, providing an attractive and low-maintenance option for filling bare spots in your landscape. It thrives in full sun exposure and prefers sandy, well-drained soil, making it an excellent option for xeriscaping or seaside landscaping.
In addition to its ground cover capabilities, Blue Daze is also lovely when planted in hanging baskets or containers, showcasing its trailing habit in a visually stunning way. There are different varieties of Evolvulus, such as Beach Bum Blue and Blue My Mind, that offer subtle variations in hue and growth habits, giving you the chance to select the perfect Blue Daze flower for your specific needs and tastes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Blue Daze Evolvulus plant is not only known for its captivating flower behavior but also for its adaptability in various garden settings. Whether you’re looking to feature it as a prolific ground cover or a cascading plant in a container, your garden will benefit from the beauty and ease of care that this plant provides.