What are the characteristics of the tricolor convolvulus? A comprehensive guide to this ornamental flower

Morphological features of the tricolor convolvulus

The tricolor convolvulus is an annual or perennial herb. Stems climb upward; leaves are narrowly oblong to spoon-shaped, with bluntly rounded tips, stalked, and entire; the neck is short and clustered, flowers are sparse, and the cyme is solitary. The corolla is bell-shaped or funnel-shaped, blue and red, with white edges and a yellow throat; annual, stems erect or climbing upward, with many branches that droop downward. Inside the flower there is a white star-shaped zone and a yellow flower center, plus an outer ring surrounding a single color of red, blue, pink or white, but the flower is indeed like the morning glory in that it can only open for one day. It can be said to truly live up to its name: a flower possessing three colors, the tricolor morning glory.

Growth habits of the tricolor convolvulus

The tricolor convolvulus can be sown from March to May, blooms from June to July, and mostly opens in the morning.

The tricolor convolvulus likes warmth, moisture and ample sunlight; it is not demanding about soil, and organic all-purpose potting soil can be used for cultivation. During the growing period the soil must be kept moist and must not be allowed to dry out, and it should be placed outdoors in a spot with ample light. About 70 to 90 days after sowing it will bloom. From one to one and a half months before flowering, apply fertilizer once every two weeks to increase fertility at flowering time and make the flower colors vivid;

The branches of the tricolor convolvulus have a trailing habit, so during the growing period when the stems and branches elongate, moderate pruning can be given, and supports should be set up to prevent lodging. It can also be planted in hanging baskets or flower beds and allowed to grow drooping, which is also a good choice.

Although the tricolor morning glory has good heat tolerance, when the intense heat of midsummer arrives, the stuffy weather easily makes the plant look weak, so the cultivation environment must be kept ventilated; moreover, transpiration is relatively fast, so attention must be paid to water supply, but the growing medium used must drain well, so as to avoid the roots rotting easily in hot, humid conditions. Its cold tolerance is also good, so the cultivation period can be extended to early autumn.

Propagation methods of the tricolor convolvulus

The tricolor convolvulus is generally propagated mostly by sowing. The sowing period can be from early spring to early summer. The suitable germination temperature is about 18 to 25°C. It can be sown in a seedling tray, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist. The seedling tray can be covered with transparent plastic film to maintain humidity, but water must not accumulate in the tray. It will germinate in about 7 to 14 days, at which point the plastic film can be removed and the tray placed in a bright spot. When there are 3 to 5 true leaves, it can be transplanted into a pot, but the seedlings of the tricolor morning glory do not tolerate transplanting well, so care must be taken during transplanting; alternatively, it can be sown directly into the pot from the start.

The tricolor convolvulus is suitable as greening and beautifying material for fences, railings and trellises.