Blue rock bindweed
Convolvulus sabatius · Convolvulaceae
📷 Frank Vincentz · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant blue rock bindweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Convolvulus sabatius
- Family
- Convolvulaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering period
- May to August
- Mature size
- 30 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Mild climate (light frosts tolerated)
- Origin
- North Africa (Mauritania)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Convolvulus sabatius loves sun and dry conditions. Plant it in very well-draining soil, in a rock garden or hanging basket.
The common mistake
Watering it regularly thinking you're doing the right thing: it rots and produces lots of leaves, few flowers.
The pro's trick
Pinch the stems at 15 cm in April to force branching.
Care
Light exposure
Mauritanian bindweed loves sunlight: place it in full sun for generous flowering and intense colours. It tolerates partial shade slightly but will flower less abundantly. Avoid overly shaded areas that would slow its growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing and flowering period (May to September), keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. In pots, check substrate moisture before watering to prevent root rot.
Soil and substrate
This bindweed prefers well-drained soil, slightly sandy or rocky. In pots, use a mix of horticultural soil and sand to ensure excellent drainage. Soil that is too heavy or compacted promotes water stagnation and disease.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back young shoots lightly in spring to encourage bushy, full growth. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period. In late winter, remove any stems that are dried out or damaged by frost.
Fertilising
Apply balanced fertiliser (NPK) once a month during growth and flowering (May to August). In pots, light fertilising is sufficient. Limit nitrogen to avoid promoting foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Mauritanian bindweed is generally hardy. Watch out for powdery mildew in case of excessive humidity and poor air circulation. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions. Good drainage and adequate ventilation are enough to prevent most problems.
Did you know?
The name 'Convolvulus' comes from the Latin 'convolvere' (to coil), as climbing bindweeds naturally coil around their supports. Mauritanian bindweed, though less twining than its cousins, retains this family identity and produces delicate trumpet-shaped blue flowers, typical of the genus, which close at night — a fascinating botanical adaptation to conserve energy.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- SilverbushConvolvulus cneorum
- Field bindweedConvolvulus arvensis
- Hedge bindweedCalystegia sepium
- Convolvulus sepiumConvolvulus sepium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.