Silver Dwarf Morning-Glory: A Tiny Native Treasure for Your Garden
Meet the silver dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus sericeus var. sericeus), a charming little native that’s been quietly stealing hearts across the American South and Southwest. This petite perennial might not tower over your garden beds, but what it lacks in stature, it more than makes up for in character and resilience.
What Makes This Plant Special?
The silver dwarf morning-glory is a true American native, naturally found across multiple states from Arizona to Florida, and extending into Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unlike its climbing morning-glory cousins, this little gem stays close to the ground as a low-growing forb – that’s botanist-speak for a soft-stemmed plant that comes back year after year.
The plant gets its silver moniker from its distinctive silky, silvery-gray foliage that seems to shimmer in sunlight. The leaves are small but striking, creating a beautiful backdrop for the delicate blue to purple flowers that appear throughout the growing season. These blooms may be tiny, but they’re perfect replicas of the classic morning-glory trumpet shape.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This adaptable native calls home a impressive range of states: Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It’s particularly well-suited to the hot, dry conditions found throughout much of this range.
A Word About Rarity
Here’s something important to note: in Alabama, the silver dwarf morning-glory has a rarity status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled in that state. If you’re gardening in Alabama or neighboring areas, this makes responsible sourcing especially important. Always purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock rather than wild-collect plants.
Why Your Garden (and Local Wildlife) Will Love It
There are plenty of reasons to fall for this diminutive charmer:
- Drought Champion: Once established, it thrives with minimal water – perfect for water-wise gardening
- Pollinator Magnet: The small flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Low Maintenance: This is definitely a plant it and forget it kind of perennial
- Native Credentials: Supporting local ecosystems while reducing maintenance needs
- Unique Texture: The silvery foliage adds interesting contrast to garden compositions
Perfect Garden Situations
The silver dwarf morning-glory shines brightest in:
- Rock Gardens: Its low profile and drought tolerance make it ideal for tucking between stones
- Xeriscapes: A natural choice for water-wise landscapes
- Native Wildflower Gardens: Provides ground-level interest among taller native plants
- Border Edges: Creates a soft, silvery edging along pathways or bed borders
- Container Gardens: Works beautifully in pots, especially trailing over edges
Growing Conditions and Care
The good news? This plant is refreshingly easy-going about its needs:
Sunlight: Full sun is best – this plant loves to bask in bright light
Soil: Well-draining soil is non-negotiable. Sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils are perfect. Heavy clay or constantly moist conditions will likely spell trouble.
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but will appreciate occasional deep watering during extreme dry spells
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, making it suitable for most areas within its native range
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with silver dwarf morning-glory is straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading
- Water regularly the first year to help establish roots
- After establishment, water only during extended dry periods
- Avoid fertilizing – this plant actually prefers lean soils
- Deadheading isn’t necessary, and you might want to let some flowers go to seed for natural spreading
The Bottom Line
The silver dwarf morning-glory proves that good things really do come in small packages. It’s a perfect choice for gardeners who want to support native ecosystems while enjoying a beautiful, low-maintenance plant. Just remember to source it responsibly, especially if you’re in areas where it’s rare. Your local pollinators – and your water bill – will thank you for adding this drought-loving native to your garden palette.
