Also known as Bindweed · 11 saves
Convolvulus
Convolvulus, the genus most gardeners know as bindweed. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Convolvulus varieties
4 species of Convolvulus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Convolvulus in Sow
Save the Convolvulus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Convolvulus
Whats common across all Convolvulus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Convolvulus year
- PruneJune–August60% of varieties
Cut back trailing stems continuously to prevent flowering and seed production.
- Check for PestsJune–August60% of varieties
Monitor foliage for biological control agents like the bindweed gall mite.
Do
- Give it full sun and lean soil ☀️
- Sow direct where it is to grow 🌱
- Use it in baskets and pot edges 🪴
- Enjoy it in the morning 🌅
- Cut back trailing stems regularly before they can set and disperse seeds.
Avoid
- Feed or over-water it ❌
- Expect it to climb ❌
- Expect open flowers at teatime ❌
- Do not rototill or deeply cultivate soil containing root systems, as this multiplies the infestation.
What goes wrong with Convolvulus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Colonies on soft shoot tips with sticky honeydew | Wash off with a jet of water; plants in hot dry sites are rarely troubled long |
| Tortoise beetles | Foliage chewing and small holes in leaves. | Apply organic insecticides or hand-pick beetles if control is desired on ornamental relatives. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and yellow speckling on foliage. | Increase humidity and spray with water or miticide. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Plants collapse at the base in wet soil or a poorly drained container | Use free-draining compost and water sparingly; this is a dry-climate plant |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves during warm, humid weather. | Ensure full sun exposure and avoid overhead watering. |
| White rust | White pustules on leaf undersides and yellowing on upper surfaces. | Remove infected foliage and improve air circulation. |
Making more Convolvulus
Seed
- Nick or soak the hard seed coat before sowing.
- Sow direct after the last frost.
- Thin to about a foot apart.
Root cuttings
- Sever a section of the horizontal creeping root system.
- Ensure the fragment contains at least one viable node.
- Place the fragment in moist, well-drained soil.
- Keep warm and moist until new green shoots emerge from the node.
Convolvulus questions
How many types of Convolvulus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Convolvulus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 11 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Convolvulus grow in?
Across its varieties, Convolvulus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Convolvulus bloom?
Most Convolvulus varieties bloom in summer to fall, summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Convolvulus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.