Overview
Convolvulus althaeoides is a perennial herb in the genus Convolvulus, part of the Convolvulaceae family. Convolvulus althaeoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or rocky soils soils. Suggested uses include groundcover and rock gardens. It is native to Madeira Island, Porto Santo island and Portugal Continental.
About
Convolvulus althaeoides is a perennial herb in the Convolvulaceae that bears solitary, funnel-shaped pink flowers on long stalks. It favours dry, well-drained sandy or rocky soils and performs in full sun or partial shade. Native to Madeira, Porto Santo and mainland Portugal, it is commonly used as a ground cover and in rock gardens. Flowering runs from June to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Convolvulus althaeoides
About the genus
Convolvulus is a genus of about 200 to 250 species of flowering plants in the bindweed family Convolvulaceae, with a cosmopolitan distribution; the Plants of the World Online database currently accepts 227 species and 12 natural hybrids. Common names include bindweed and morning glory; both are names shared with other closely related genera.
Wikipedia contributors, "Convolvulus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Convolvulus
In the garden
A member of the bindweed family, Convolvulus althaeoides is a perennial herb native to Madeira, Porto Santo and continental Portugal. It produces solitary, funnel-shaped pink flowers on extended stalks and has leaves divided into narrow lobes. In the UK its flowering season is June to September, when the blooms sit above the foliage on long peduncles. Site selection should favour sun or light shade with very good drainage; the plant is suited to sandy or rocky substrates and tolerates dry to moderate soil moisture. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. Plant in a free-draining border, gravel bed or a crevice in a rock garden where the soil remains lean rather than rich. Once established it handles drier summer conditions better than persistently wet ground. Use Convolvulus althaeoides as a matting ground cover on slopes and terraces or to soften stonework where its trailing flower stalks can be seen. It works well between flagstones or at the front of a sunny border where the pink funnel-shaped flowers, typically a few centimetres across, are easily visible. Allow the long flower stalks to drape over walls or rocks so the blooms sit clear of the divided foliage.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Convolvulus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
- Soil moisture
- dry to moderate
Plant details
Convolvulus althaeoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- groundcover, rock gardens
- Native to
- Madeira Island, Porto Santo island, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Convolvulus althaeoides
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soils and sunny positions; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning to control spread
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Convolvulus althaeoides?
Prefers well-drained soils and sunny positions; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Convolvulus althaeoides?
Convolvulus althaeoides prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Convolvulus althaeoides need?
Convolvulus althaeoides grows best in well-drained and sandy or rocky soils soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to moderate.
How do I prune Convolvulus althaeoides?
Light pruning to control spread.
How do I propagate Convolvulus althaeoides?
Seed, cuttings.
More in the Convolvulus genus
- Convolvulus caput-medusae
- Convolvulus cneorumsilverbush
- Convolvulus mauritanicus
- Convolvulus sabatius 'Moroccan Beauty'PBR
