Convolvulus

Care Instructions:

Convolvulus plants offer a range of forms: annual C. tricolor features bright blue petal faces with yellow throats; shrub forms like C. cneonum produce white blooms from pink buds; and trailing C. althaeoides spills silvery foliage over banks with pastel flowers. Fast-growing and versatile, they perform across borders, containers, and coastal or poor-soil environments.

Light

Give them full sun for best bloom production. Sheltered positions help prevent cold winds from damaging the delicate flowers and foliage.

Water

Water moderately, especially during hot, dry spells. Established plants tolerate some drought but benefit from regular moisture to sustain flowering.

Soil

Thrives in well-drained, even poor soils. Great choice for dry banks or rockeries where richer plants struggle.

Temperature

Hardy species survive in cooler climates; tender shrubs may require protection in winter or overwintering indoors.

Humidity

Adaptable to varied humidity, but good airflow helps prevent fungal issues in dense plantings.

Fertilizer

Not heavy feeders. A light top dressing of compost or balanced feed in early summer supports continuous blooms.

Best Placement Ideas

• Rock gardens or dry sunny banks
• Climbing or trailing over walls, arches, or trellises
• Mixed into borders for late-season color
• Containers and window boxes with complementary late-season bloomers

Common Issues

• Flowers are very short-lived—deadhead frequently for continuous display
• Can become patchy if allowed to flop or run unchecked
• Shrub species may be winter tender in cooler zones
• Mild toxicity—keep away from children and pets

Things to Watch Out For

• Remove faded flowers diligently to encourage more buds
• Provide support for climbing forms to avoid tangling
• Cut back old stems in autumn or spring for clean re-growth
• Avoid overwatering, especially in winter dormant periods

Propagation Tips

Sow annual seeds under glass in early spring or mid-spring directly in place. Take heel cuttings of perennial and shrubby species in summer and overwinter under cover. Shrub forms generally root reliably but slowly.

Maintenance Tips

Regular deadheading maximizes bloom duration. Prune back trailing or climbing types after frost, and tidy up grey wilted foliage. Overwinter tender types indoors or apply mulch in climate zones with harsh winters.