Contents
Description
Calystegia is a genus of flowering plants in the Convolvulaceae family. There are around 25 species of Calystegia, which are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly known as bindweed due to its twining vines that spiral around other plants, trees, or poles.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||———-|————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Angiosperms || Class| Eudicots|| Order| Solanales|| Family| Convolvulaceae || Genus| Calystegia |
Appearance
Calystegia plants have simple, alternate, and arrowhead-shaped leaves that are 2 to 8 cm long. The flowers are funnel-shaped with five fused petals that range in color from white to pink. The plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and has a spread of about 1 meter.
Care Guide
To take care of Calystegia, you need to consider the following:
Water
Calystegia prefers moderately moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, make sure not to over-water the plant as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Calystegia with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Avoid using too much nitrogen as it can cause the plant to grow foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil
Calystegia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
Calystegia prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it may not produce as many flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Calystegia can grow in hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calystegia is generally a hardy plant, but it can still be affected by pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites and aphids, while common diseases include powdery mildew and root rot.
Habitat
Calystegia can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, woodland edges, and disturbed areas. It is also commonly found in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calystegia an invasive plant?
A: Yes, Calystegia can be invasive in some areas due to its ability to spread rapidly through its root system and seeds.
Q: How can I control Calystegia?
A: The best way to control Calystegia is by digging up the roots and removing them. You can also use herbicides, but they may harm other plants in the area.
Q: Can Calystegia be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calystegia can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Calystegia poisonous?
A: No, Calystegia is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Calystegia:- Convolvulus arvensis (Field bindweed)- Ipomoea purpurea (Common morning glory)- Ipomoea nil (Japanese morning glory)- Ipomoea tricolor (Heavenly blue morning glory)
References
– Plants of the World Online. (2021). Calystegia. Kew Science. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30001305-2- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Calystegia. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a344
