Family: Convolvulaceae

Comprising about 100 species of annuals, perennials and subshrubs native to warm regions of North and South America, few of the genus are cultivated. One species is often culti­vated as a groundcover in warm, frost-free regions and some are used as edging or border plants.

Species

E. pilosus (Synonym: E. glomeratus) is a trailing plant, growing less than 50 cm (20 in) high and spreading at least as wide. The small gray-green leaves are covered in silky hairs. It has a long flowering period through summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped and usually bright blue, or may be mauve-pink or paler blue with a white eye.

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. These plants tolerate poor soils and do not bloom as well in heavily enriched soils. Water regularly during dry summers but keep dry in winter. Established plants tolerate some drought. In frost-prone areas, grow in an airy, intermediate greenhouse with maximum light, in pots of soil-based potting compost.

Climate

Zone 9.