Maryland Dwarf Morning-Glory: A Lesser-Known Ground Cover Option
If you’ve stumbled upon the name Maryland dwarf morning-glory (Evolvulus filipes), you might be wondering what this mysterious little plant is all about. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard of it – this perennial forb is quite the botanical enigma, even among seasoned gardeners!
What Is Maryland Dwarf Morning-Glory?
Maryland dwarf morning-glory is a non-native perennial that belongs to the morning-glory family. Unlike its more famous climbing cousins, this is a low-growing forb – essentially a soft-stemmed plant that stays close to the ground. Think of it as the humble wallflower of the morning-glory world.
As a non-native species, this plant has found its way to American soil and now reproduces on its own in the wild. It’s currently documented in Maryland and the U.S. Virgin Islands, making for quite the geographical split!
Should You Grow It?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While Maryland dwarf morning-glory isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, there’s limited information available about its garden performance and ecological impact. This makes it something of a wildcard in the gardening world.
Potential Benefits:
- Perennial nature means it comes back year after year
- Low-growing habit could work as ground cover
- Small, delicate flowers typical of the Evolvulus genus
- May attract small pollinators
Considerations:
- Limited growing information available
- Non-native status means it doesn’t support local ecosystems like native plants
- Unknown long-term garden performance
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to low-growing, flowering ground covers, consider these fantastic native alternatives instead:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – Perfect for shady spots
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) – Stunning spring blooms
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – Excellent native grass alternative
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) – Edible berries and pretty flowers
If You Choose to Grow Maryland Dwarf Morning-Glory
Should you decide to give this plant a try, here’s what you should know based on typical Evolvulus characteristics:
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Likely prefers full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil is probably essential
- Water: Moderate watering, avoiding waterlogged conditions
- Hardiness: Likely suited for warmer zones (9-11)
Care Tips:
- Start with a small planting to observe its behavior
- Monitor for any aggressive spreading
- Provide good drainage to prevent root rot
- Consider container growing if you’re unsure about garden performance
The Bottom Line
Maryland dwarf morning-glory remains something of a botanical mystery – intriguing but with limited practical information for gardeners. While it’s not necessarily a problem plant, the lack of detailed growing information and its non-native status make it a questionable choice for most gardens.
Your garden will likely be more successful (and more beneficial to local wildlife) with well-documented native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting your local ecosystem. Sometimes the most exciting plant isn’t necessarily the best plant for your garden!
