The Story
Plant Bio
Convolvulus tricolor, dwarf morning glory, is a bushy annual from the Mediterranean and North Africa, twelve to eighteen inches high and about as wide. Thick hairy angular stems form a dense cascading mound, and funnel-shaped flowers one to three inches across open in deep blue with a white and gold throat, giving the three colours of its name.
It is a morning glory that does not climb, which makes it a safe choice where its twining relatives would be a menace — it mounds and cascades instead, suiting baskets and pot edges. The flowers open with the sun and close by mid-afternoon or in dull weather, so plan for a morning display rather than an all-day one.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
12 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
Mediterranean and North Africa
Toxicity
Seeds are not eaten
Planting
How to Grow
- Sow direct after the last frost in full sun.
- Give it any freely drained soil; poor is fine.
- Do not feed, which favours leaf over flower.
- Water sparingly once established.
- Expect flowers to close by mid-afternoon.
- Deadhead lightly to prolong the season.
Pro Tip
Unlike its climbing cousins this one mounds and never twines, so it can go where a true morning glory would be a mistake.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Give it full sun and lean soil ☀️
- Sow direct where it is to grow 🌱
- Use it in baskets and pot edges 🪴
- Enjoy it in the morning 🌅
Don't
- Feed or over-water it ❌
- Expect it to climb ❌
- Expect open flowers at teatime ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enjoy | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Morning Glory questions
What zones can Dwarf Morning Glory grow in?
Dwarf Morning Glory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Morning Glory deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Morning Glory, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Dwarf Morning Glory bloom?
Dwarf Morning Glory typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Morning Glory need full sun?
Dwarf Morning Glory does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dwarf Morning Glory drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Morning Glory handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Convolvulus to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Dwarf Morning Glory with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.