OUTDOOR PLANT Jacquemontia Martii

Jacquemontia Martii is spectacular trained on a trellis or pergola, great for covering an eyesore like an old stump, and will even function as a ground cover, since it stays flat quite happily as long as there is nothing to climb on. Be careful not to let the plant dry out before it establishes itself, but once it is growing vigorously it requires little care.

It adapts well to most garden situations, but does not like soggy soil. It requires at least a half day of full sun for optimum bloom. As is the case with other blooming ornamentals, too much water and fertilizer will result in lush leaves and few flowers, so keep it on a fairly spartan diet. During the driest, warmest times, especially in windy periods, it may need a little irrigation. Like other members of the morning-glory family, Jacquemontia keeps its individual flowers only one day, and they close up in late afternoon.