Brazilian Dwarf Morning-Glory: A Non-Native Perennial for Your Garden Consideration
If you’ve stumbled across the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus glomeratus grandiflorus van) in your plant research, you might be wondering whether this charming little perennial deserves a spot in your garden. Let’s dive into what makes this plant tick and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your landscape.
What Exactly Is Brazilian Dwarf Morning-Glory?
The Brazilian dwarf morning-glory is a perennial forb – essentially a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike its towering tree and shrub neighbors, this little guy lacks significant woody tissue and keeps its growing points (those clever little buds) right at or below ground level. Think of it as nature’s way of playing it safe – when things get tough, it can hunker down and wait for better times.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Currently, this non-native species has made itself at home in Florida, where it reproduces on its own without any help from gardeners. It’s one of those plants that, once established, tends to stick around and make itself comfortable in its new environment.
The Native Plant Conversation
Here’s where things get a bit complex. The Brazilian dwarf morning-glory isn’t native to the United States – it’s an introduced species that has found a way to thrive in our climate. While we don’t have clear information about whether it’s invasive or problematic, many gardeners today are leaning toward choosing native plants that naturally support local ecosystems.
If you’re torn between this plant and native alternatives, consider exploring native morning-glory species or other low-growing perennials that naturally occur in your region. Your local native plant society or extension office can point you toward options that will play nicely with local wildlife and established plant communities.
Garden Placement and Growing Tips
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements and care instructions for this particular variety aren’t readily available. This is actually pretty common with less commercially popular plants – sometimes the information just hasn’t made it into mainstream gardening resources.
If you’re determined to grow Brazilian dwarf morning-glory, your best bet is to:
- Start with basic perennial care principles
- Observe how it performs in your specific conditions
- Connect with local gardening groups who might have hands-on experience
- Consider reaching out to botanical gardens or universities for guidance
The Bottom Line
While the Brazilian dwarf morning-glory might have its charms, the lack of detailed growing information and its non-native status make it a bit of a question mark for most gardeners. Unless you have a specific reason for seeking out this particular plant, you might find more success and ecological benefit from exploring native alternatives that are better documented and supported by local growing communities.
Remember, the best garden plants are usually the ones that want to grow in your specific conditions – and native plants have had thousands of years to figure out exactly what those conditions require!
