Ipomoea leptophylla problem

[Lori S.]

The foliage on the Ipomoea leptophylla seedlings I started some time ago has gradually turned yellow, and eventually dried up on 3 out of the 4 seedlings that were previously growing well.  The last seedling is getting yellowish now too.  I don't believe it's overwatering, as they are in a fast-draining mix, and have been watered on the same schedule as other alpine seedlings.   I knocked the soil out of the one of the pots and found a large, healthy-looking white root.  Is this some sort of dormancy behavior?

Tim, or anyone else, have you see this with seedlings of this species?   Thanks in advance for any info.


(Oops, misspelled Ipomoea!)

[Michael Young]

That is consistent with my experience. The first year, after producing 1-2 true leaves, the seedlings have gone dormant for the year. I've also seen this pattern several times in Wyethia and Balsamorhiza. Also, Ipomoea leptophylla tends not to reappear until late spring in the following year, perhaps in an attempt to avoid frost damage.

[Lori S.]

Thanks very much for the info, Michael.  Very interesting.  I guess I'll just plant the roots out later on, and see what happens next spring.