Sea Bindweed
calystegia soldanella
Also known as: ["Beach Bindweed","Coastal Bindweed"]
Overview
A trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped white flowers, native to coastal regions.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus: | Calystegia |
| Botanical Name: | Calystegia soldanella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; coastal soil conditions are ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Use sandy soil; avoid heavy clay; ensure good drainage.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler coastal conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilization; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone if desired.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to a healthy bud or node; remove tangled or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to control spread, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape the plant as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose a new pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or frost damage in cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or black; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; mulch around roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest Calystegia soldanella. The plant is not highly toxic but can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Calystegia soldanella may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCalystegia soldanella contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sea Bindweed invasive?
A: It can spread vigorously in suitable conditions but is not typically considered invasive in all regions.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: Is it suitable for container gardening?
A: It can be grown in containers but may require regular pruning to control its trailing habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Convolvulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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