Overview
Convolvulus cneorum is a shrub in the genus Convolvulus, part of the Convolvulaceae family. Convolvulus cneorum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and coastal gardens. It is native to Mediterranean.
About
Convolvulus cneorum, commonly called Silverbush, is a Mediterranean shrub in the Convolvulaceae. It flowers in the UK from June to September. Plant it in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, sandy or rocky soil with neutral to alkaline pH and dry to medium moisture. It suits south-facing positions and tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Convolvulus cneorum
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 cneorum (Silverbush), also known as shrubby bindweed, is a small shrub native to the Mediterranean and belonging to the Convolvulaceae. In the UK it reliably flowers from June to September. Its natural affinities are for dry, open ground, so place it where soil is sharply drained and not prone to winter waterlogging. Sit the plant in full sun or partial shade on well-drained, sandy or rocky soil, preferably on a south-facing aspect. It accepts neutral to alkaline pH and performs with dry to medium soil moisture. The species copes with both exposed coastal locations and more sheltered garden sites, reflecting its native coastal origins. Rated H4 (average) for UK hardiness, Convolvulus cneorum will overwinter in many parts of the country; consider the warmest, driest position available in colder districts. Use it in rock gardens, gravel borders and coastal beds where its soil and aspect preferences match the site. For a specific siting, choose south-facing banks or drifts of sandy soil where its requirements for drainage and exposure are met.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Convolvulus
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, rocky
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- exposed, sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Convolvulus cneorum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, coastal gardens
- Native to
- Mediterranean
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Convolvulus cneorum
- Cultivation
- requires well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Convolvulus cneorum?
Requires well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Convolvulus cneorum?
Convolvulus cneorum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Convolvulus cneorum need?
Convolvulus cneorum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Convolvulus cneorum?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Convolvulus cneorum hardy in the UK?
Convolvulus cneorum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Convolvulus cneorum?
Semi-ripe cuttings, seed.
More in the Convolvulus genus
- Convolvulus althaeoidesmallow bindweed
- Convolvulus caput-medusae
- Convolvulus mauritanicus
- Convolvulus sabatius 'Moroccan Beauty'PBR
