How to Grow Silver Bush Morning Glory
iNaturalist
Silver Bush Morning Glory
Convolvulus cneorum
shrubA tender evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, prized for its silvery-gray foliage and delicate white or pale pink trumpet flowers. It forms a compact, mounding habit and blooms prolifically from spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant is ideal for containers, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes.
When should you plant Silver Bush Morning Glory in your zone?
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Example Silver Bush Morning Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Silver Bush Morning Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Silver Bush Morning Glory
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Silver Bush Morning Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny emerged seedlings with cotyledons, developing first true leaves with silvery fuzz
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksYoung plant developing branching structure and silvery-gray foliage; compact mounding form becoming apparent
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Begin light pinching if needed to encourage bushiness. Ensure excellent drainage.
Budding
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds appearing at branch tips; silvery stems more prominent with dense foliage coverage
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent but not excessive watering.
Flowering
4-6 months (spring through fall)Abundant white or pale pink trumpet flowers opening on sunny days, often closing in afternoon or cloudy weather
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce watering further. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4-6 weeks if needed.
Dormancy/Winter Rest
2-3 monthsFlowering slows or stops; plant enters semi-dormant state in cool climates; retains foliage in mild zones
Minimize watering to only occasional deep watering. Do not fertilize. Protect from frost in zones 8-9. Prune lightly in spring if needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; use yellow sticky traps for monitoring
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Increase humidity if indoors; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; ensure good ventilation
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season; use systemic insecticide if needed
Uses
Mediterranean Garden Accent
OrnamentalSilver Bush Morning Glory's silvery foliage and delicate flowers make it an excellent focal point in Mediterranean, coastal, and xeriscape gardens. Its compact form is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers. [source]
Container and Patio Plant
HouseholdThrives in containers and hanging baskets, making it perfect for patios, balconies, and sunny windowsills. Excellent for people in cooler zones who want to grow it as a container specimen moved indoors during winter. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
OrnamentalExtremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal irrigation after establishment. Perfect for water-wise landscapes, xeriscaping, and regions with limited water availability. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe trumpet flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting beneficial insect populations in the garden. [source]
Silvery Foliage Interest
OrnamentalThe distinctive silver-gray foliage provides year-round visual interest and creates striking color contrast when combined with darker-leaved plants or colorful flowering perennials. [source]
Harvest Tips
This plant is ornamental and not harvested for food. For propagation, collect mature seed pods in late summer/early fall and extract seeds for sowing. Alternatively, take softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer for vegetative propagation. Pinch back stems periodically during growing season to maintain compact, bushy form.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Convolvulus cneorum flowers typically open in the morning and close by afternoon on sunny days, a behavior called nyctinasty or 'sleep movements' in plants.
- 🌱 The name 'Convolvulus' derives from the Latin 'convolvere,' meaning 'to roll together,' referring to the climbing or twining habit of some relatives in the family Convolvulaceae.
- 🌱 This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental, valued particularly in European cottage and formal gardens for its elegant silvery appearance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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