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About this plant
What makes this plant special
Silverbush thrives where many shrubs struggle: in poor, stony or even chalky soil, through summer drought and in coastal gardens, and dry spells only intensify the silver sheen of its leaves. It is a natural choice for dry rock gardens and gardens that are never watered. With very sharp drainage it survives short frosts of about -10 °C.
Shrubby Convolvulus
Bindweeds (Convolvulus) form a large genus of annuals, perennials and small shrubs, many of them from the Mediterranean region. Unlike the climbing field bindweed, the garden species do not spread invasively. They are valued for their trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink or blue, which keep appearing over a long season.
Convolvulus cneorum
Silverbush (Convolvulus cneorum) is a small evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean that forms a dense, rounded mound wider than it is tall. Fine silky hairs give the leaves a silvery sheen. From April to August pink-tinged buds open into white trumpet flowers with a yellow eye.
Location and soil
Plant in full sun in a very well-drained, poor to stony or sandy soil; lime is tolerated. A raised bed or a gravelly slope is ideal, as winter wet does more harm than cold. Drought only enhances the silver colour of the foliage, and the plant copes well with wind and sea air.
Pruning and care
Remove faded flowers to extend flowering, and trim the shrub lightly once a year in June or July to keep it dense. Water moderately, letting the soil dry out in between. Once established in a dry, sheltered spot it survives short frosts, but it is only moderately hardy: in colder areas grow it in a pot and keep it frost-free in winter.
Use in the garden
A fine plant for dry rock gardens, gravel beds, sunny border edges and seaside gardens, where its silver foliage combines well with other grey-leaved plants. It is also an excellent long-flowering plant for pots and containers on a terrace.
Plant characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Convolvulus |
| Species | cneorum |
Flowering
| Flowering period | june to september |
| Colour (flower) | white |
Foliage
| Evergreen | yes |
| Colour (foliage) | silver |
Growth habit
| Height | 50 cm |
Location
| Winter hardiness | -10 °C, -15 °C |
| Soil type | kalkrijk |
| Location | sun |
| Wind resistant | yes |
| Soil moisture | dry, normal |
| Soil moisture | dry, normal |
Use
| Type (use) | shrub, in group |
Care
| Pruning | june to july |