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Calystegia macrostegia
coast morning glory
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Calystegia macrostegia is a perennial climbing vine in the morning glory family, native to California and Baja California. It grows from a woody base and produces twining stems 3-10 feet (1-3 m) long that scramble over shrubs, fences, and the ground. The arrowhead- to triangular-shaped leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long with a notched base. From spring into summer it bears funnel-shaped flowers 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across, white to pale pink, opening in the morning and closing by afternoon heat. Unlike the related field bindweed, this species is native and far less weedy in the garden. It is drought-tolerant once established, dying back in summer drought and resprouting with fall and winter rains. Native to coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and the Channel Islands, it tolerates lean soils, salt spray, and dry slopes. The vine spreads by seed and by its persistent rootstock. Several subspecies differ in leaf shape and hairiness.
Native Range
Native to California and Baja California, including the Channel Islands. It grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, canyon slopes, and open woodland near the coast.Suggested Uses
Calystegia macrostegia is grown on trellises, fences, and banks in native and water-wise gardens, and as a scrambling groundcover on dry slopes. Its flowers draw bees and other pollinators, and it gives cover for small wildlife.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Calystegia macrostegia grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained, lean soils, including sandy and rocky ground. It needs little to no summer water once established and tolerates drought, heat, and coastal salt spray. The vine climbs by twining and benefits from a trellis, fence, or shrub for support. It can be cut back hard and resprouts from the base after summer dormancy. Rich soil and frequent water produce lush growth at the expense of flowering.Pruning
Cutting stems back after flowering or during summer dormancy controls size and spread. The vine resprouts from its woody base in fall. Spent growth can be cleared once it dies back.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons