Convolvulus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Convolvulus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Morning Glory, Bindweed, & Silverbush: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants from the Convolvulus genus are hardy annual or hardy perennial vines.

They have heart shaped leaves, some varieties flower but for one day, with trumpet flowers (can be blue, white, pink or purple).

Convolvulus arvensis - Field Bindweed by Phil Sellen.

Many gardeners consider most Convolvulus plants to be weeds. Though many species, such as Silverbush and Dwarf Morning Glory are grown as garden plants.

The aforementioned plants are short-lived perennial evergreens they are not very hardy, so are often grown as annuals.

They make great container plants and indoor plants, and also perform well in rock gardens, sunny beds and borders, or Gravel Patios.

The annual varieties of Convolvulus bloom from mid spring, or summer to autumn, whereas perennials flower in the summer.

If you have a problem with spreading and need to remove Bindweed from the garden, then simply cut them down to the base. Keep doing this until new growth no longer occurs (because the plant is starved of energy).

Commonly Grown Convolvulus Species

Convolvulus cneorum - Silverbush, Bush morning Glory

photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking.

Convolvulus sepium - Now classified as Calystegia sepium - Hedge Bindweed

Convolvulus sepium - Hedge Bindweed by Gmayfield10; Creative commons.

Convolvulus arvensis

Convolvulus arvensis (European bindweed / Field bindweed), photograph by Andreas Rockstein; CC.

Convolvulus sabatius

Convolvulus sabatius (Ground Morning Glory), picture by Plant Right; CC.

Convolvulus mauritanicus

Convolvulus mauritanicus (Blue rock bindweed / Ground blue-convolvulus), Image by Newtown grafitti; CC.

Convolvulus minor / Convolvulus tricolor - Dwarf Morning Glory

Convolvulus tricolor photograph by 阿橋 HQ, Creative Commons.

Commonly Grown Convolvulus / Bindweed Cultivars

'Blue Enchantment'

Convolvulus 'Blue Enchantment' photograph by Audrey; CC.

How to Grow Convolvulus

If planning to grow Convolvulus plants outside from seed then they should be planted at a depth of 3 mm (1/8th inch).

Sow into a sunny part of the garden in the middle of spring.

If growing Silverbush or other Convolvulus plants indoors, then start about two months before putting out.

Next, the seed should first be chipped with a knife and soaked in warm water for a full day beforehand.

They should be sown into peat pots in an area with a temperature of 22 to 28 degrees centigrade (71°F to 82°F).

Germination takes about one to two weeks.

Convolvulus Care: The seedlings of small Convolvulus species should be transplanted outdoors after the last frost of spring.

If you require more plants then cuttings of Convolvulus these can be took in the summer.

Caring for Convolvulus

Convolvulus Care: As an evergreen shrub it is best to prune in middle to late spring or once flowering has completed (depending on the time the specific species bloom. Simply remove any dead or diseased tissue.

Pruning heavily can also help to rejuvenate neglected plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Convolvulus genus have?

The Convolvulus genus includes approximately 200 species of twining vines and herbaceous perennials and annuals.

Do members of Convolvulus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, certain Convolvulus species, like Convolvulus cneorum (Silverbush), are valued in landscaping for their attractive foliage and flowers.

Which Convolvulus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Convolvulus tricolor (Dwarf Morning Glory), loved for its vibrant, tricolored flowers.

Are members of the Convolvulus plant genus fragrant?

No, members of the Convolvulus genus are not typically known for fragrance, but for their attractive, funnel-shaped flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Convolvulus?

Convolvulus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's a perfect plant for rock gardens, borders, or as ground cover.

Is Convolvulus invasive in the USA?

Yes, some species, like Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed), are invasive in many areas of the USA due to their vigorous growth and persistent nature.

How do I remove Convolvulus plants from my garden?

Convolvulus removal can be challenging. Regularly pulling out the plants and their roots, and preventing seed set can help. Persistent cases may require herbicides.

Summary

The Convolvulus genus, part of the Convolvulaceae family, is native to various regions worldwide. These annual or perennial plants, also known as bindweed or morning glory, are known for their vine-like growth habit and trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer.

To grow Convolvulus, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring. Regular watering is needed, but they are quite drought-tolerant once established. Given their climbing nature, they need support to climb and can become invasive if not properly controlled.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Convolvulus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guide: How to grow Morning glory.