Dwarf Morning Glory

Evolvulus

Evolvulus glomeratus
A fast growing, mat-forming perennial, up to 2 x 3 feet, in mild climates, it is also grown in colder climates as an annual.
The foliage is fuzzy, silvery-green. The leaves are oval.
The intense, true-blue flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, appear late spring until autumn frost. They attract butterflies and bees.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 in full sun on moist, well drained soil. Well establish plants can become fairly drought tolerant. It is easy to grow in colder climates if planted out after the last spring frost. Spindly plants can be cut back to encourage denser growth.

* photos taken on Sep 26 2018 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 5 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 27 2023 in Columbia, MD

Alternanthera

Alternanthera brasiliana
A spreading to bushy herbaceous plant, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native from Mexico to Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. It is widely planted as an annual bedding plant in temperate regions around the world.
The elliptical leaves are up to 4 x 2 inches in size.
Hardy zones 10 to 12 ( colder zones as an annual ) in full sun on fertile, moist, well drained soil. Drought tolerant, it often wilts when it is starting to go dry then quickly perks up if immediately watered.. In temperate climates, plant outdoors during spring after the last frost has occurred. It has become invasive in parts of Australia where its use should be avoided. It is easy to grow from cuttings. Spider mites can sometimes be a problem. It is usually propagated from cuttings though seeds to species forms is also an option.

'Purple Prince'
A vigorous annual, reaching up to 1 x 2.5 feet. It differs by having deep reddish-purple foliage,

Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight'
A perennial, zone 9b+, reaching up to 1.8 x 3 ( 1 x 2.5 as an annual ) feet, with glowing, deep purplish-red oval foliage. It can also be grown in smaller climates though would rarely reach more than 1.5 x 1.5 feet. The species is native to the Caribbean.

* photos taken on Aug 1 2022 in Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD

* photo taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON

Alternanthera ficoidea
A perennial, in zone 10+. an annual reaching up to 1.5 x 1.5 feet in temperate climates.
The elliptic or ovate mid-green leaves are up to 1 inch in length.

'True Yellow'
Intense golden-yellow foliage.

* photos taken on July 1 2020 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 9 2020 in Columbia, MD