Convolvulus
( kon - VOLV - yew - lus )
At-A-Glance InformationConvolvulus is commonly referred to as Bindweed or Morning Glory, though the latter name actually refers more commonly to Ipomoea. The genus includes annuals, perennials, and evergreen shrubs. Native to the Mediterranean, they have funnel-shaped flowers similar to Morning Glory. They are best in the sun, but can tolerate some shade and need moderate amounts of water to perform well.
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convolvulus Species and Varietals
The genus Convolvulus includes around 200-250 distinct species and varietals, and is a member of the family Convolvulaceae. The best growing zone for Convolvulus depends on the species grown; refer to the below descriptions for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Convolvulus cneorum (Bush Morning Glory, Silver Bush) This is an evergreen shrub, growing to 2-4 feet tall and wide quickly. Grows best in zones 7-9 and 12-24. Silky smooth, silvery grey leaves and white-pink flowers with yellow throats. Blooms in late spring and summer. Variety 'Snow Angel' is more compact, getting to just 1.5-2 feet tall and has pinkish-white flowers. Can get leggy if left alone; prune hard to encourage new growth. |
Convolvulus sabatius (Convolvulus mauritanicus) (Ground Morning Glory) Perennial plant, grows best in zones 4-9 and 12-24. Grows 1-2 feet tall with trailing branches that reach three feet or more in length. Soft, hairy green leaves and lavender-blue flowers. Blooms from early summertime through fall. Grows well in gravely soil with great drainage. Can take to clay soil if not over-watered. Can become woody, though this issue can be controlled through trimming in late winter. Native to coastal Africa, Spain and Italy. Great for hanging baskets. |
Convolvulus tricolor (Dwarf Morning Glory) Grows in zones 1-24 as an annual. Bushy, somewhat trailing plant gets to 1 foot high and 2 feet wide. Flowers in the summertime in blue blooms with yellow throats. Varieties include 'Blue Flash' and 'Ensign', which both get to a height of around six inches. |
Caring for and pruning Convolvulus shrubs
Plant Bindweed in fertile, well-draining soil in a position with full sun about 11 inches apart (this varies depending on the species, however). Convolvulus looks better when planted in groups. Prior to planting, amend soil with organic matter and a balanced organic fertilizer. In the middle of summer, the plants also benefit from an additional feeding in the middle of summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Propagation
Convolvulus can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Convolvulus, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Convolvulus by Cutting
Propagating Convolvulus by Seed
Propagating Convolvulus by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated plant, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Convolvulus by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on Convolvulus plants are pretty easy to spot; they are green at first, and dry to a brown color, and are left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
- Convolvulus seeds need to be soaked before being planted, so when you're ready to sow your seeds, soak them overnight in water first. The next day, you can take them out and plant them.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
It is important to note in this section that Bindweed itself can be a pest, if the right conditions are met and the wrong species is grown. It is considered invasive in many areas; for more information on how to eradicate Bindweed if it is currently taking over your garden, see this informational website.
Convolvulus plants are affected by the following pests and diseases:
Convolvulus plants are affected by the following pests and diseases:
- Root Rot
- Leaf Spot
- Spider Mites
- Scale
Gallery
Videos
All about the species Convolvulus cneorum.
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Use Convolvulus as an easy-care groundcover.
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Do you have Bindweed in your garden that is taking over? Watch this video for information, tips, and tricks for controlling it.
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All about Convolvulus tricolor.
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Resources
Convolvulus Grow Guide
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 258, Convolvulus
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