How to Grow Silver Bush

iNaturalist

Silver Bush

Convolvulus cneorum

shrub

Silver Bush is a compact, evergreen Mediterranean shrub known for its silvery-green, silky foliage and delicate pink and white trumpet-shaped flowers. It adds elegant texture and soft color to gardens with minimal maintenance requirements. This heat and drought-tolerant plant is ideal for Mediterranean, cottage, and contemporary garden designs.

When should you plant Silver Bush in your zone?

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Example Silver Bush timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Silver Bush
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Silver Bush
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial sun but flowers more profusely in full sun

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Water: Low to moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (ornamental shrub; flowering begins within 6-12 months)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container; ensure crown is not buried

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Gravel mulch to reduce moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8b-11; can be grown in containers in colder zones for winter protection

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

6-8 weeks

Young plant with silvery foliage developing; minimal flowering during first year

Water regularly until established (3-4 weeks). Avoid overwatering. Provide full sun. Mulch lightly with gravel.

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Plant develops fuller, bushier form with more silvery foliage; occasional flowers appear

Reduce watering frequency as roots establish. Light pruning to shape growth. Feed sparingly in spring.

Flowering

Spring through early summer, 3-4 months

Abundant pink and white trumpet-shaped flowers appear on branch tips; silvery foliage contrasts beautifully

Continue drought watering schedule. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen.

Dormancy/Rest

Late summer through winter, 4-6 months

Flowering slows in late summer; foliage remains evergreen and silvery year-round

Minimal watering in winter. Do not fertilize. Reduce pruning; avoid winter pruning in cold zones.

Mature Plant

Year 2 onward

Established shrub at full size (2-3 feet tall and wide); produces abundant seasonal flowers

Annual light pruning in spring to maintain shape. Minimal fertilization. Drought-tolerant; water only during drought. Monitor for overly wet conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Santolina Cistus Catmint (Nepeta) Salvia Santolina Russian Sage (Perovskia)

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring frequent watering (hostas, ferns, hydrangeas) Species prone to root rot in well-draining soils

Common Pests

Increase humidity with occasional misting in very hot, dry climates. Use neem oil spray if infestation occurs.
Remove affected foliage. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy severely affected plants. Improve soil drainage with amendments.

Uses

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Garden Focal Point

Ornamental

The silvery-green foliage and delicate pink-white flowers make Silver Bush an attractive focal point in Mediterranean, cottage, or contemporary gardens. Its compact size and soft texture provide visual interest year-round. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

The silvery foliage branches are prized in floral design for their elegant texture and color. Flowers and stems add a soft, romantic element to fresh or dried arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The trumpet-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Silver Bush a valuable plant for wildlife-friendly gardens. [source]

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Container Gardening

Household

Silver Bush is ideal for growing in containers, especially in colder climates where it can be moved indoors during winter. Its compact size and drought tolerance make it perfect for patios and balconies. [source]

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Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Ornamental

As a water-wise plant, Silver Bush is excellent for xeriscaping and sustainable landscape design, reducing garden water consumption while maintaining visual appeal. [source]

Harvest Tips

Silver Bush is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food or medicinal use. Deadhead spent flowers during blooming season to encourage more flowers. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements.

Fun Facts

🌱 Silver Bush is native to southern Europe and North Africa, thriving in rocky, sun-baked Mediterranean hillsides where water is scarce.
🌱 The silvery appearance of its foliage comes from fine hairs on the leaves that reflect sunlight, a natural adaptation to intense Mediterranean sun and heat.
🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, Silver Bush is incredibly tough and can survive in poor, infertile soils where many ornamental plants struggle.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Mulch

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