Overview

Convolvulus cataonnicus is a plant with a trailing, climbing, bushy habit in the genus Convolvulus, part of the Convolvulaceae family, with green, silver-grey foliage. Convolvulus cataonnicus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover, trellis and border.

About

Convolvulus cataonnicus is a trailing to climbing member of the Convolvulaceae that can form well-branched mats or scramble up supports. Its foliage ranges from green to silver-grey and it flowers from June to September. It favours full sun in loam-based, neutral, well-drained soils and suits a south-facing, sheltered position. The plant carries an H4 (average) hardiness rating for the UK and works equally as ground cover, on a trellis or at the front of a border.

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

Convolvulus cataonnicus sits within the Convolvulaceae and displays a trailing to climbing habit that readily spreads over ground or climbs nearby structures. Leaves show green to silver-grey tones and the main flowering period runs June to September, when the plant is most conspicuous. Locate it in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site with loam-based, neutral pH soil that drains freely. The H4 hardiness rating equates to average winter tolerance across much of the UK, so choose a protected position in colder microclimates. Plant into a prepared loam and allow room for stems to scramble if using as a ground cover or to reach supports if grown on a trellis. Use Convolvulus cataonnicus to form a spreading carpet at the front of borders, to weave through low shrubs, or to clothe a small trellis where its stems can scramble. In a sheltered south-facing spot it will hold its foliage tone through the growing season and produce flowers throughout June to September, making the summer months the best period for visual impact.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Convolvulus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Convolvulus cataonnicus size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Trailing, climbing, bushy

Foliage

Green, silver-grey

Suggested uses

Ground cover, trellis, border

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Convolvulus cataonnicus

Propagation

Seed, softwood cuttings, division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions