Sleepy Morning (Waltheria indica) is a semi‑woody, evergreen plant with a unique growth habit that makes it stand out in any Florida landscape. While it can reach up to 6 feet tall and take on the form of a shrub, it also spreads outward just above ground level from its main stem, creating a low, sprawling shape that fills space beautifully.
In warm weather, this plant produces bright canary‑yellow flowers throughout the year. The blooms appear in small clusters, each tiny flower only about ¼ inch across with five petals. True to its name, the flowers open in the morning and close by late afternoon. Despite their size, they’re highly attractive to small bees and other pollinators, making Sleepy Morning a valuable addition to wildlife‑friendly gardens.
This hardy species thrives in full sun and well‑drained soil, performing best in warm climates. Across many parts of the world, its leaves have also been used medicinally for a variety of traditional remedies.
- Sprawling subshrub
- Size: 18 inches to 6 ft. tall
- Flower: Yellow
- Exposure: Full sun
- Drought-tolerant
- Soil: Well-drained
- Flowers open in early AM and close in late afternoon
- Attracts pollinators, especially bees
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