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How to Grow Convolvulus sabatius

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Convolvulus sabatius

Convolvulus sabatius

flower

Convolvulus sabatius, commonly known as Moroccan bindweed or ground morning glory, is a low-growing trailing perennial that produces delicate, funnel-shaped blue-purple flowers throughout the growing season. Native to Morocco and the Mediterranean region, it forms a dense, spreading mat of fine foliage topped with abundant blooms.

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Example Convolvulus sabatius timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Convolvulus sabatius

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Convolvulus sabatius blooms

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Convolvulus sabatius dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in very hot climates
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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, fairly drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogging.
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Spacing: 12-18 inches
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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers
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Planting depth: Surface sown or shallow 1/8 inch; seeds benefit from scarification

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost Perlite or sand for drainage Organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with cotyledons emerge; very delicate with minimal foliage

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops fine, narrow, elongated leaves and begins trailing/spreading habit

Water moderately; reduce watering frequency as plant establishes. Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness if desired.

3

Flowering

8-16 weeks (or longer in warm climates)

Abundant trumpet-shaped, blue-purple flowers (2-3 cm across) appear among foliage, creating a cascading floral display

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain moderate watering. Once established, reduce supplemental watering.

4

Mature/Trailing

Continues through season

Plant sprawls 12-24 inches, creating dense ground cover with continuous flower production

Light fertilizing monthly with balanced fertilizer promotes blooming. Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage at expense of flowers.

5

Dormancy/End of Season

Variable depending on zone

In zones 9-10, plant may decline in winter; in warmer zones (11+), growth continues year-round

In marginal zones, protect with mulch or bring container plants indoors. In frost-prone areas, treat as annual.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Catmint Silver Ponyfoot Diascia Gazania Trailing ivy Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Heavy clay soil areas Plants requiring frequent watering Dense shade-producing plants

Common Pests

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs

  • Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe

  • Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil

  • Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; apply neem oil for heavy infestations

Uses

🎨

Ground Cover & Landscaping

Craft

Convolvulus sabatius is excellent for rock gardens, alpine troughs, hanging baskets, and cascading over walls or borders. Its low, spreading habit and prolific flowering make it a popular ornamental for Mediterranean-style gardens. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting garden ecosystems. [source]

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Container Gardening

Household

Thrives in hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers on patios and terraces, providing color from spring through frost in temperate zones or year-round in warm climates. [source]

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

The delicate blue-purple flowers are edible and can garnish salads and desserts, offering mild, slightly sweet flavor and visual appeal. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental plant not harvested for food. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain continuous flowering throughout the season. Stems can be cut for fresh flower arrangements.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Despite being called 'bindweed,' Convolvulus sabatius is far less invasive than its notorious relatives (like field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis), making it a well-behaved garden plant.
  • 🌱 The genus name Convolvulus comes from the Latin 'convolvere,' meaning 'to roll together,' referring to the twining growth habit of many species in the family.
  • 🌱 In its native Moroccan habitat, this plant thrives in rocky, semi-arid conditions, which is why it performs exceptionally well in drought-tolerant, low-maintenance gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial
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