Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory: A Charming Native Ground Cover for Water-Wise Gardens
Looking for a drought-tolerant native plant that brings delicate beauty to your garden without demanding constant attention? Meet the silver dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus sericeus), a charming little perennial that’s been quietly beautifying landscapes across the American South and Southwest for centuries.
What Makes Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory Special?
This lovely native forb produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that look like miniature morning glories, hence its common name. But what really sets this plant apart is its silvery, silky foliage that catches sunlight beautifully and provides year-round texture in the garden. As a true herbaceous perennial, it lacks woody stems but returns reliably each year from its root system.
Where Does It Call Home?
Silver dwarf morning-glory is native to the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll find it naturally growing across a impressive range that includes Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as the Caribbean territories.
It’s worth noting that this species is considered critically imperiled (S1 status) in Arkansas, so if you’re gardening in that state, make sure to source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries rather than collecting from wild populations.
Why Choose Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory for Your Garden?
This native beauty offers several compelling reasons to earn a spot in your landscape:
- Water-wise wonder: Once established, it thrives with minimal irrigation, making it perfect for drought-tolerant gardens
- Pollinator magnet: The small flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Wildlife support: While not a major food source, it provides some nutrition for birds and small wildlife
- Low maintenance: This hardy perennial requires little care once established
- Native credentials: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing indigenous plants
Perfect Garden Roles
Silver dwarf morning-glory shines in several garden settings:
- Rock gardens where its delicate texture contrasts beautifully with stone
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscape designs
- Native plant gardens and wildflower meadows
- Border plantings where it can spill gracefully along edges
- Ground cover in areas where you want low-growing, spreading coverage
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of silver dwarf morning-glory lies in its adaptability and low-maintenance nature. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Sunlight: Full sun is best, though it can tolerate some light shade
Soil: Well-drained soils are essential. This plant actually prefers poor to moderately fertile soils and can struggle in overly rich conditions
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional deep watering during extended dry periods
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, making it suitable for warm-climate gardens
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with silver dwarf morning-glory is refreshingly straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date in your area
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Water regularly the first season to establish strong roots
- Once established, water only during prolonged drought
- Trim back in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth
- Allow some plants to go to seed if you want natural spreading
Understanding Its Water Preferences
One interesting aspect of silver dwarf morning-glory is how its relationship with moisture varies by region. In most areas, including the Arid West, Great Plains, and Caribbean, it’s classified as obligate upland, meaning it almost never occurs in wetlands. However, in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain region, it’s considered facultative upland, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can occasionally tolerate wetter conditions.
Is Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory Right for Your Garden?
If you’re creating a water-wise landscape, supporting native pollinators, or simply want a low-maintenance ground cover with delicate charm, silver dwarf morning-glory could be an excellent choice. Its combination of drought tolerance, native status, and understated beauty makes it particularly valuable in sustainable garden designs.
Just remember to source your plants responsibly, especially if you’re gardening in Arkansas where wild populations are limited. By choosing this native species, you’ll be supporting local ecosystems while enjoying a plant that’s perfectly adapted to thrive in your regional climate.
