Silverbush Convolvulus cneorum
ABOUT
Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as silverbush or shrubby bindweed, is a plant known for its attractive appearance. It displays a mound of slender, evergreen foliage, which is covered in silky, silvery-grey hairs giving it a vibrant shimmering effect. The plant bears funnel-shaped flowers that are a radiant white with a hint of pink on the reverse, presenting a striking contrast against the foliage. These blooms are often profuse and can create a spectacular floral display..onViewCreated
About this plant
NamesFamily
Convolvulaceae.
Synonyms
Silverbush, Shrubby Bindweed, Bush Morning Glory, Silver Bush Morning Glory.
Common names
Convolvulus cneorum.
ToxicityTo humans
Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as Silver Bush, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information available regarding its poisonous components to humans. As with many plants, it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting parts of the Silver Bush because they may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Silver Bush (Convolvulus cneorum) is also not widely documented for its toxicity to pets. However, as with any plant not specifically known to be safe, caution is advised. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Silver Bush and is showing symptoms of distress, consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as Silverbush, adds visual interest to gardens with its silvery-grey foliage and white to pinkish trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Silverbush is well-suited to dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Silverbush attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination of surrounding plants.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Silverbush can be used in various landscaping designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover due to its mounding growth habit.
- Coastal Tolerance: It is well adapted to coastal environments, tolerating sea spray and salty soils, which makes it a good choice for seaside gardens.
- Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen plant, the Silverbush retains its leaves year-round, providing ongoing interest and color even in the winter months.
- Container Gardening: Convolvulus cneorum can thrive in pots and containers, allowing for gardeners with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Silverbush is used as a silvery foliage contrast in rock gardens, complementing other plants with green hues and creating a visual texture variation.
- Its compact growth habit makes Silverbush an excellent choice for container gardening, providing an elegant display on balconies and patios.
- With its tolerance for salty winds, Silverbush is often used in coastal landscaping to provide structural beauty and withstand harsh seaside conditions.
- Due to its cascading branches, Silverbush can be used as an ornamental spilling plant in raised beds or retaining walls.
- Landscape designers use Silverbush in xeriscaping to reduce the need for irrigation, as it is drought-tolerant once established.
- In mixed shrub borders, Silverbush's silver foliage can be paired with flowering plants to highlight their colors, especially purples and blues.
- Silverbush is sometimes utilized in butterfly gardens, where its flowers provide nectar for various butterfly species.
- The reflective property of the foliage is leveraged in moon gardens, where Silverbush adds brightness and visibility under the moonlight.
- As a low-maintenance ground cover, Silverbush can be planted to help suppress weeds and cover bare spots in the landscape.
- This plant can be pruned into small formal shapes, making Silverbush suitable for inclusion in knot gardens and other formal garden designs.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSilver Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySilver Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Resilience: Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as silverbush, has the ability to thrive in poor soils and resist drought, representing the capacity to endure challenging conditions and persist with strength.
- Purity and Innocence: The silverbush's bright white flowers are often associated with purity and innocence, symbolizing clarity, virtue, and a fresh start.
- Bounding Love: The way silverbush plants spread and the twining nature of some Convolvulus species can symbolize the idea of love that connects and surrounds, echoing the notion of boundless affection.
- Beauty and Grace: With its silvery foliage and elegant flowers, silverbush is often linked to beauty and grace, representing the presence of these qualities in nature and in life.
- Transformation: The lifecycle of the silverbush, from bud to bloom, can represent transformation and growth, indicating a journey through change towards a more enlightened or beautiful state.
WaterThe Silver Bush should be watered sparingly as it is drought-tolerant once established. During the first growing season, ensure it receives regular watering to help establish roots, roughly once a week with about 0.5 gallons of water for each plant. After establishment, you should reduce watering frequency, providing water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, watering every two weeks with 0.5 gallons should suffice, unless there are prolonged periods of drought, at which point weekly watering may be necessary. Make sure the plant is in well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.
LightSilver Bush thrives in full sunlight to perform its best. It should be placed in a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing or west-facing garden spot is ideal for providing the optimal light conditions needed for prolific flowering and healthy growth.
TemperatureSilver Bush prefers mild temperatures and can generally tolerate conditions between 50°F and 80°F. It is hardy to about 15°F and should be protected from frost to prevent damage. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F to encourage strong growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Silver Bush is recommended to maintain its compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping as desired. It doesn’t need frequent pruning, so once a year should suffice. Remember to prune after flowering for the best display the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Silverbush is well-draining with added coarse sand or gravel. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingSilverbush typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to ensure it is not root-bound and has fresh soil for optimal growth.
Humidity & MistingSilverbush prefers low to moderate humidity levels, as it is tolerant of dry air and does not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Silverbush in bright light indoors for best growth.
Outdoor
Plant Silverbush in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe silverbush (Convolvulus cneorum) begins its lifecycle as a seed, which upon finding the right soil conditions and temperature will germinate to give rise to a seedling. The seedling stage is characterized by the growth of the first set of true leaves, after which the plant enters the vegetative stage by developing a woody stem and a silvery-grey foliage of dense, small leaves. During the flowering stage, which typically occurs in spring to summer, the silverbush produces its funnel-shaped white to pink flowers that attract pollinators. Once pollination occurs, the flowers develop into fruit – usually small, dry capsules that contain the seeds for reproduction. After seeds are dispersed, either by wind or wildlife, they initiate new life cycles by germinating when conditions are favorable. The silverbush is a perennial plant, which allows it to live and go through multiple flowering and seeding cycles over several years before it eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Silverbush (Convolvulus cneorum) is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings to propagate is during late summer. To propagate by this method, you should select a healthy, disease-free branch and cut a segment about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, making sure there are at least a couple of leaf nodes on it. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in well-draining soil or a mix designed for cuttings and kept moist. In a controlled environment with consistent moisture and warmth, roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have established a robust root system, they can be transplanted to their final location.
