How to Grow Blue Wings

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Blue Wings

Evolvulus glomeratus

flower

Blue Wings is a compact, low-growing ornamental plant featuring delicate, vibrant blue flowers with a cheerful appearance. It is a tender perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates, known for its continuous blooming throughout the growing season. The plant's trailing or mounding habit makes it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, and garden borders.

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Example Blue Wings timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Blue Wings
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Blue Wings blooms
Around May 17

≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Wings dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; prefers bright light for best flowering

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil is dry. In containers, may need daily watering in hot weather. Drought-tolerant once established but flowers better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 30-60 days to first flowers from transplant

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Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep; transplants at same depth as nursery container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil or potting mix

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as annual in zones 3-9

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

7-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons (seed leaves), developing first true leaves

Maintain warm soil (70-75°F), consistent moisture, and bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops trailing or mounding stems with small, narrow, lance-shaped green leaves

Pinch back growing tips early to encourage branching and bushier growth. Keep soil moist and provide full sun.

Bud Development & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Small flower buds appear at stem tips; first delicate blue flowers open

Continue regular watering and full sun exposure. Feed with balanced or flowering fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Blooming

Continues throughout growing season (8+ weeks)

Plant is covered with numerous small, bright blue trumpet-shaped flowers with light centers; continuous flowering

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Maintain consistent watering and feeding schedule.

Decline & End of Season

Varies by climate

In cooler climates, plant slows flowering as temperatures drop; may develop seed pods

In warm zones, plant may continue flowering year-round. In cooler areas, prepare to remove or bring indoors before frost.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Vinca Verbena Sweet alyssum Petunias Calibrachoa Dusty miller Bacopa Portulaca

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients Plants requiring constantly wet soil

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation; remove infested leaves
Rinse with strong water spray; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply beneficial nematodes to soil

Uses

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Edible flower garnish

Culinary

Blue Wings flowers are edible and can be used to garnish desserts, salads, and beverages, adding a delicate blue color and slight floral taste to dishes. [source]

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Container and hanging basket gardening

Household

The trailing habit and compact growth make Blue Wings ideal for window boxes, hanging baskets, and mixed containers, providing continuous color throughout the season. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Pressed or dried Blue Wings flowers can be used in floral crafts, pressed flower art, and botanical arrangements for long-lasting decorative displays. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making Blue Wings a beneficial addition to pollinator gardens despite its small blooms. [source]

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Garden borders and ground cover

Household

Its low-growing, spreading habit makes Blue Wings suitable for edging garden beds, pathway borders, and as a flowering ground cover in warm climates. [source]

Harvest Tips

Blue Wings is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly (pinch off faded flowers) to extend the blooming season. Collect seeds from mature flower heads in late summer if desired for next season by allowing a few flowers to dry on the plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 Blue Wings belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae) and is native to Mexico and Central America, thriving in warm, sunny regions.
🌱 The plant's scientific name, Evolvulus, comes from the Latin 'evolvere' meaning 'to unfold,' referring to the unfolding flowers and growth pattern.
🌱 Blue Wings is sometimes called 'Dwarf Morning Glory' or 'Hawaiian Blue Eyes,' and despite its delicate appearance, it is surprisingly heat and sun-tolerant once established.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Damping Off Deadhead Full Sun Perennial Pinch Back True Leaves

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