Convolvulus sabatius, commonly known as Bindweed or Ground Morning Glory, is a delightful trailing perennial native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its profusion of lavender-blue, funnel-shaped flowers and makes an excellent groundcover.
Here’s what you need to know about this charming plant:
Description:
- Ground Morning Glory is a woody-based perennial with a trailing growth habit. It forms a dense carpet of small, oval, soft gray-green leaves that are evergreen in mild winter regions.
- The plant is prized for its continuous production of lavender-blue flowers, each measuring 1-2 inches across (2-5 cm). These charming flowers can be enjoyed from early summer to early fall in most regions, and year-round in mild-winter areas.
Awards and Recognition:
- Convolvulus sabatius has been honored with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), reflecting its outstanding garden performance.
Growing Conditions:
- Ground Morning Glory thrives in well-drained soils with a gritty texture. It prefers full sun to light shade but appreciates a sheltered location.
- This plant is highly adaptable and can tolerate alkaline soils. It can even grow in clay, provided the soil drains properly and is not overwatered.
- Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardening.
Landscaping Uses:
- Ground Morning Glory is versatile and can be used in various garden settings. It is an excellent choice for raised beds, hanging baskets, containers, and edging.
- It complements Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens, and rock gardens with its trailing growth and attractive flowers.
Propagation and Maintenance:
- Propagation can be done from seed or softwood cuttings.
- Regular trimming helps prevent the plant from becoming too woody and helps maintain its size.
Caution:
- While Ground Morning Glory is relatively disease-free, it’s important to note that it can become invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines and recommendations.
In summary, Convolvulus sabatius is a delightful and adaptable perennial groundcover with a long blooming period. Its lavender-blue flowers and trailing growth make it an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings, and it has earned recognition for its garden performance from the Royal Horticultural Society.