Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) Convolvulus cneorum
Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) (Convolvulus cneorum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Convolvulaceae family, native to Limestone sea cliffs of Italy, Sicily and the western Balkans. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Limestone sea cliffs of Italy, Sicily and the western Balkans |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Silverbush (shrubby bindweed)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Silverbush (shrubby bindweed)
- How far apart should I plant Silverbush (shrubby bindweed)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Silverbush (shrubby bindweed)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) flower?
- From about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Silverbush (shrubby bindweed) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Silverbush (shrubby bindweed)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Silverbush (shrubby bindweed). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- A neat mound of silky, shining silver leaves with funnel-shaped white flowers opening from pink buds from late spring through summer. Nothing like its weedy bindweed relatives; it needs a hot, sheltered, well-drained spot.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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