About Blue Daze
A low-growing, spreading perennial that produces an endless succession of small, brilliant sky-blue flowers with white centers against a backdrop of silvery-green, fuzzy foliage. Blue daze flowers open fresh each morning and close by evening, creating a daily renewal of vivid blue. Unlike its morning glory relatives, it does not vine or climb — instead it forms a neat, mounding groundcover. Blue Daze belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and originates from Brazil and tropical Americas; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions..
Blue daze is an outstanding performer in Philippine gardens — heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and blooming year-round with brilliant blue flowers that are rare in tropical landscapes. Filipino landscapers use it as groundcover, border edging, and container filler in sunny locations. It is becoming increasingly popular at Quezon Avenue nurseries, Cartimar, and online plant shops. One of the most reliable true-blue flowering plants for Metro Manila's hot climate. Pairs beautifully with yellow marigolds, red pentas, and white vincas.
Also known as: Evolvulus, Hawaiian Blue Eyes.
Popular Varieties
- Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue Daze' (standard, sky-blue flowers — most common)
- Evolvulus glomeratus 'Blue My Mind' (improved variety — more flowers, larger, deeper blue)
- Evolvulus glomeratus 'Hawaiian Blue Eyes' (compact form with intense color)
How to Plant Blue Daze in the Philippines
Blue Daze can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. The recommended method is stem tip cuttings — root easily and produce flowering plants faster than seeds.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 8-10 cm stem tip cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 pairs at the tip.
- Step 3: Dip in rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
- Step 4: Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix.
- Step 5: Keep in bright indirect light. Mist regularly.
- Step 6: Roots develop in 2-3 weeks. Move to full sun once established.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (flowers open best in strong sunlight; closes in shade and late afternoon). Position your blue daze where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water moderately — 2-3 times per week. Tolerates short dry spells but looks best with regular moisture. Avoid waterlogging. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine tropical heat year-round). Moderate to high — grows well in Philippine conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing blue daze outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Light feeder. Balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season. Too much fertilizer reduces flowering.
Pruning
Trim back by one-third periodically to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Shearing encourages fresh growth and more flowers.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Flowers not opening
Cause: Cloudy weather, too much shade, or afternoon — flowers are morning-only in low light
Solution: Plant in the sunniest location possible. Flowers naturally close each afternoon — this is normal behavior.
Leggy, sprawling growth
Cause: Insufficient light or lack of trimming
Solution: Move to full sun. Shear back regularly to maintain mounded shape.
Root rot
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Solution: Use well-draining potting mix. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings.
Spider mites in dry conditions
Cause: Hot, dry air with low humidity
Solution: Mist foliage occasionally. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Blue Daze in the Philippines?
Blue Daze needs full sun (flowers open best in strong sunlight; closes in shade and late afternoon). Water moderately — 2-3 times per week. tolerates short dry spells but looks best with regular moisture. avoid waterlogging.. Feed with light feeder. balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season. too much fertilizer reduces flowering.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-35°C (thrives in Philippine tropical heat year-round) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Blue Daze?
The recommended method is stem tip cuttings — root easily and produce flowering plants faster than seeds. Take 8-10 cm stem tip cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Remove lower leaves, keeping 3-4 pairs at the tip.
Is Blue Daze toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Blue Daze grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Blue Daze grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Blue Daze?
Common issues include: Flowers not opening (caused by cloudy weather, too much shade, or afternoon — flowers are morning-only in low light — plant in the sunniest location possible. flowers naturally close each afternoon — this is normal behavior); Leggy, sprawling growth (caused by insufficient light or lack of trimming — move to full sun. shear back regularly to maintain mounded shape); Root rot (caused by overwatering or poor drainage — use well-draining potting mix. allow soil surface to dry between waterings).
Growing blue daze in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!