The bush bindweed (Convolvulus cneorum), a morning glory from the Mediterranean, is one of the best-loved small shrubs in Pacific Coast gardens.
It is cherished for its wealth of bloom, which persists all through the hot summer and autumn months, and for its year-round graceful foliage.
Do not confuse it with invasive bindweed species – Convolvulus arvensis.
Ever-Gray Leaves
The long, narrow evergreen or “ever-gray” leaves are covered with glittering white hairs, which native plants of sunny climates often wear as protection from strong light.
The flowers are freely dotted over the frosted mound, which is usually between 2′ and 3′ feet tall. The hush has many branches, the outer ones often touching the ground.
The single morning-glory blossoms are satiny white with a charming pink tinge that comes from the striping on the underside of the petals.
Though the blooms are no more enduring as cut flowers than those of other morning glories, they do last longer on the bush, extending their landscape value.
Hardy Bush Bindweed
Bush bindweed is hardy in the Northwest and will grow in the seaside as well as the inland garden.
In the Northwest, it is sometimes used in rock gardens to trail over stones. It should never be placed under the drip of trees. taller shrubs or eaves, for it, cannot stand steady moisture.
Wherever it is grown, the soil should be light and the drainage perfect. It stands drought well, taking full sun anywhere except in the desert and in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys.
Heavy Watering of Plants
Heavy watering shortens its life, and overhead watering detracts from the beauty of its foliage.
It needs no fertilizer nor pruning and is afflicted by no disease, but it should be protected where rabbits abound.
In a windy spot, it takes on a compact habit, and in light shade, it has an engagingly informal manner of growth, making a wide loosely branched bush.
It propagates readily from seed and from cuttings. My plants have never made a nuisance of themselves by self-sowing.
Uses of Bush Bindweed
Bush bindweed grows well in containers, making it a good patio plant. While it makes a splendid showing when massed, it shows its graceful form as a specimen plant.
It is delightful in combination with other plants. In May, it blooms in time to rise from an azure sea of baby blue eyes, Nemophila insignis, or a whiter mass of five-spot.
Nemophila maculata, which is blotched with purple. It is nice above Alyssum Purple Robe or Violet Queen.
In summer, delphinium spires make a grand setting; in autumn, Michaelmas daisies make a handsome background.
44659 by Lester Rowntree