Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory: A Charming Native Florida Ground Cover
Meet the silver dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus sericeus var. glaberrimus), a delightful little native that’s been quietly beautifying Florida’s landscapes long before we started paying attention to native plants. This petite perennial might not shout for attention like some of its flashier cousins, but it has a subtle charm that makes it a wonderful addition to the right garden.
What Makes This Plant Special?
The silver dwarf morning-glory is a true Florida native, belonging to the morning-glory family but with its own unique personality. As a perennial forb, it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year, forming low-growing patches that hug the ground. Don’t let the dwarf in its name fool you into thinking it’s insignificant – this little plant packs plenty of character into its compact form.
You might also see this plant listed under its botanical synonyms, including Evolvulus macilentus or Evolvulus sericeus var. averyi, but they’re all referring to the same charming Florida native.
Where Does It Call Home?
This variety of silver dwarf morning-glory is exclusively found in Florida, making it a true regional specialty. It’s perfectly adapted to the Sunshine State’s unique growing conditions and climate patterns.
Why Consider Growing Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory?
If you’re gardening in Florida and love supporting native wildlife while creating beautiful landscapes, this little morning-glory could be just what you’re looking for. Here’s why it might earn a spot in your garden:
- It’s a true Florida native, perfectly adapted to local conditions
- As a perennial, it provides long-term value in your landscape
- Its low-growing habit makes it excellent for ground cover applications
- Morning-glory family plants typically attract beneficial pollinators
- Native plants generally require less water and maintenance once established
Garden Design Ideas
The silver dwarf morning-glory works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Native plant gardens: Perfect for authentic Florida landscapes
- Rock gardens: Its compact size suits rocky, well-drained areas
- Ground cover plantings: Great for covering bare soil in sunny spots
- Pollinator gardens: Likely provides nectar for small native bees and other beneficial insects
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for this variety is limited, we can make educated guesses based on its Florida nativity and related plants in the Evolvulus family:
- Hardiness zones: Likely thrives in USDA zones 9-11, matching Florida’s climate
- Sunlight: Probably prefers full sun to partial sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; sandy soils typical of Florida are likely ideal
- Water: Once established, should be relatively drought-tolerant
- Maintenance: Likely low-maintenance once established
A Word of Caution
Here’s the thing about Evolvulus sericeus var. glaberrimus – it’s something of a botanical mystery! While we know it’s a Florida native and belongs to the morning-glory family, specific growing information and availability can be quite limited. This makes it more of a specialty plant for dedicated native plant enthusiasts rather than your average weekend gardener.
Finding and Growing Your Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory
If you’re determined to grow this particular variety, your best bet is to:
- Contact native plant societies in Florida for sourcing advice
- Check with specialty native plant nurseries
- Connect with botanical gardens that focus on Florida natives
- Consider participating in native plant swaps or seed exchanges
Since specific care instructions for this variety are scarce, treat it like other Florida natives: provide good drainage, appropriate sunlight, and be patient as it establishes itself in your garden.
The Bottom Line
The silver dwarf morning-glory is one of those plants that reminds us how much we still have to learn about our native flora. While it might not be the easiest plant to find or grow, it represents the incredible diversity of Florida’s natural heritage. If you’re an experienced native plant gardener looking for something truly unique and local, this little morning-glory could be a fascinating addition to your collection.
Just remember – with great native plants comes great responsibility! Always source your plants from reputable nurseries, and never collect from wild populations. Let’s keep these botanical treasures thriving for future generations to discover and enjoy.
