Over the Garden Fence: A hardy ground cover plant that provides vibrant color
There is a dwarf morning glory plant in our yard. But it does not look like the morning glories we know and it is not toxic. Blooms are miniature. Around a half-inch in width with striking white centers, these wee power packs carry the name "Blue My Mind." They are standouts not just because the blue color screams but because they are healthy. The need for sunlight results in the best color. Yes, they even seem to love drought. Good drainage contributes to this vigor. Moist locations would likely spell a death warrant.
As with an earlier red plant, this potted lovely stumbled into my life by accident as nursery stock was being surveyed out of town, in Norton, Ohio, actually. This low spreading plant with silvery green oval shaped foliage puts on a show. Its behavior includes closing at the end of the day, opening fresh in the morning. Perhaps that is why the "morning glory" name came to the hybridizer's thinking.
It has been low maintenance, needing no deadheading or pinching off of spent blooms. There has been no insect nor bug damages. We have not had to call upon a horticulture specialist for a diagnosis of disease. It is on the list of deer resistant plants — my personal list.
The evolulus glomeratus family has other blue versions. There is a Blue Daze which offers a little larger bloom. There is Hawaiian Blue Eyes that spreads quite wide, 2 to 3 feet. It has more of a bell shape to its flower. There's Heavenly Blue which looks to be a lighter tint and last night Beach Bum Blue showed up in an online search.
When the first hard frost hits, Blue My Mind will melt away. There is this thought of sowing seed because this is a plant which will now be sought after. Soon my plan is to get out the Rootone and make stem cuttings. After dipping them into the rooting medium, they will go into moist soil. These will come inside the garage then on into the house where a 65 degree temperature can be managed in indirect light. Seems like a bit of a nuisance, but the seeds do not result in a plant true to its parentage. Seed packets are high priced with shipping prices to match.
Since blue is the most elusive color in the world, this plant is more than special. It brings a thrill with the purity and intensity of its blue. It makes up for all the gardening mistakes I have made this season. This puddle of blue blew my mind. It keeps blue on my mind and makes me feel as if I am living life more abundantly.
Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former sixth grade teacher.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Dwarf morning glory is a colorful, hardy addition to your garden
