Sleepy Morning

(Waltheria ovata)

Sleepy Morning (Waltheria ovata)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 2" - 28"
High Temp. 79°F - 88°F
Low Temp. 56°F - 65°F

Summary

Waltheria ovata, commonly known as Sleepy Morning or Smooth Sleepy Morning, is a deciduous shrub native to open woodlands, forest edges, and scrub areas in South America. It exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height and width of 1.5-3 feet (0.46-0.9 meters). The plant has a bushy habit with dense foliage and bears yellow, showy flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and the bark is smooth and light brown.

Sleepy Morning is valued for its bright yellow flowers and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It is used for border planting, as a ground cover, and in butterfly gardens due to its attractiveness to pollinators. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium or fast-draining loam or sandy soils. It requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively drought-tolerant once established. While it is not known for significant pest or disease problems, it may occasionally suffer from leaf spot or rust in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1.5-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, forest edges, and scrub areas in the South America

Other Names

Common Names: Smooth Sleepy Morning

Scientific Names: Waltheria ovata, Waltheria ovata f. acamata, Waltheria ovata f. intermedia, Waltheria ovata f. reticulata, Waltheria reticulata, Waltheria reticulata f. acamata, Waltheria reticulata f. anderssonii, Waltheria reticulata f. intermedia, Waltheria sericea

GBIF Accepted Name: Waltheria ovata