How to Grow Convolvulus

Commonly known as Ground Morning Glory or Silver Bush, Convolvulus are hardy perennial plants that have various uses in the garden. Not only are they great for pots or hanging baskets with their tolerance to winds, hot conditions and some water stress, they are also perfect to grow on sloping lands, to hang over retaining walls or to just add a bit of colour to the garden.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained/sandy soil

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow convolvulus in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun. Enrich the well drained soil with compost & Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 5

Water once or twice a week for two to three weeks until established. Following the settling in period limit water to once a week or rely on rainwater.

Step 6

Feed every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow convolvulus in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Once planted, water once or twice a week for two to three weeks until established. Following the settling in period limit water to once a week.

Step 5

Feed every 1-2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Trim back plants after flowering to produce new growth and retain compact form.
Avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal disease.
Great for planting as an alternative ground cover, in rockeries, hanging baskets or on sloped ground.
Species that are commonly grown include:
- Ground Morning Glory (C. Sabatius ssp. mauritanicus). Popular plant for the warmer, humid climates. This species has lovely green leaves and a trailing habit that lusciously hangs over edges of retaining walls or baskets. Flowers appear on the plant from spring to autumn and are available in white or purple forms.
- Silver Convolvulus (C. cneorum). Grown mainly for its silver foliage and pops of small white flowers that have a slight touch of pink on the underside of the petals, this species is perfect for the cooler climates and those that have dry summers. Perfect for planting in those tricky areas around pools or close to salt winds. This species is a great ground cover or small shrub and if left can grow up to 1 metre in height.