groundcoverN. America Native

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory

The Story

Plant Bio

Evolvulus nuttallianus, the shaggy dwarf morning-glory, is a non-vining, mat-forming perennial groundcover native to the central and western United States. The prostrate stems spread to form a dense, low carpet of alternate, lance-shaped leaves completely covered in fine, silvery-grey hairs.

Unlike most members of the morning-glory family, this species does not twine or climb, rooting instead at the nodes as it spreads. Small, lavender-blue, funnel-shaped flowers with white centers open on short stalks during sunny days and close tightly at night or during overcast weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking, low-growing carpet of fuzzy, silvery-grey foliage contrasted by pale lavender-blue flowers.

Excellent for stabilizing dry, sandy slopes and thriving in poor, alkaline soils where other groundcovers fail.

Attracts generalist native bees and small beneficial pollinators to dry, exposed garden sites.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

12"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with sharp mineral drainage, such as a rock garden, sandy slope, or raised bed.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but equal in depth, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic compost or fertilizer, as this species thrives in lean, low-nutrient environments.
Water sparingly immediately after planting to settle the soil, then withhold water until the top two inches of soil are completely dry.

Pro Tip

Provide lean, sandy, or rocky soil in full baking sun; planting in rich, moisture-retaining loam or under automatic irrigation triggers rapid, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to maximize flower production and maintain dense, silvery foliage.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, utilizing gravel or sand amendments if necessary.
Shear the plant back lightly after the main summer flowering flush to encourage fresh, compact growth.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water pools after rain.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody stems, as they fail to reshoot.
Do not apply heavy organic mulches like wood chips; use gravel or stone grit instead.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensGroundcoverErosion control on dry slopesXeriscapingContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Bouteloua gracilis Schizachyrium scoparium Oenothera macrocarpa Melampodium leucanthum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory questions

What zones can Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory grow in?

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory deer resistant?

Yes — Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory bloom?

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory need full sun?

Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.