Evolvulus Blue My Mind XL

* Common name: Dwarf morning glory Blue My Mind XL

* Botanical name: Evolvulus hybrid ‘RMEVO28301’

* What it is: More often called evolvulus than its nickname of dwarf morning glory, this new Proven Winners variety is a big enough improvement to put this little-known annual flower on the map.

   Blue My Mind has plentiful true-blue flowers (not purple in disguise like so many “blue” flowers) that keep coming non-stop all season.

   It’s heat- and drought-tough and has a low, mounding/trailing habit and small silvery-green leaves. Other than the similarity of the tiny tubular flowers, Blue My Mind is not a morning glory at all and doesn’t seed around like that prolific vine does.

* Size: Grows six to eight inches tall with a spread of 16 to 20 inches.

* Where to use: Flowers best in full sun. Grows well in the ground as a front-of-border summer annual or makes a nice “spiller” in a sunny pot, basket, or window box.

* Care: Wait until after frost to plant outside. In a pot or basket, water every day or two when it doesn’t rain and fertilize with a half-strength balanced fertilizer every few weeks.

   In the ground, soak every three days for the first few weeks, then water needed only during a long, hot, dry spell. A balanced granular flower fertilizer once a month is optional. Deadheading is not needed.

   Frost will kill evolvulus, so either pot and move plants inside before frost or yank them after frost turns them to mush.

* Great partner: Pairs well with bushy or upright pink annuals, such as geraniums, celosia, or vinca. The blue flowers also pair well with any plant that has silver or gray foliage, including lavender, lamb’s ears, dusty miller, artemisia, and salvia.