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.