Morning Glory (Convolvulus arvensis)

The bindweed flowers are simple

The convolvulus arvensis or bindweed is a very beautiful and resistant herbaceous plant, ideal for covering small lattices or posts in any type of garden, since it does not take up much space and, in any case, tolerates pruning very well.

It requires very basic care, so much so that even if you don’t have much experience caring for plants, with this species you are sure to enjoy.

Origin and characteristics of convolvulus arvensis

Image – Flickr / anro0002

Our protagonist is a herbaceous perennial and climbing plant native to Europe and Asia whose scientific name is convolvulus arvensis. It is popularly known as bindweed or cahiruela, and can reach a maximum height of two meters. The leaves are spiral, and are linear with a pointed end, with a size of about 2 to 5 centimeters long, and green in color.

Blooms in spring and summer. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with a diameter of 1 to 2,5 cm, and with five radial pink stripes.

There are two varieties:

  • arvensis: which has broad leaves.
  • linearifolius: long and narrow leaves.

What are the care it requires?

The truth is that it is a species that is usually considered an herb that must be removed at all costs, but taking into account how easy it is to care for and how beautiful its flowers are, we encourage you to give it a try because if you have a small lattice, wall or wall that you want to hide, she will be able to do it in no time.

So, taking this into account, the care that you must provide are the following:

Location

It is a plant that must be abroadin full sun or in an area where it receives at least 4-5 hours of direct light.

Earth

  • Flower pot: it is not demanding at all. Fill it with universal growing medium (for sale here!).
  • the garden: grows in all types of soils, from the poorest to the most fertile. He does not dislike limestone.

Irrigation

View of the corrrehuela in habitat

Image – Flickr / Maja Dumat

Irrigation must be moderate3 to 4 times a week during the summer, and 1-2 weekly irrigations in autumn-winter. Of course, when you water, you must soak the soil well, avoiding wetting the leaves since otherwise they would burn easily, especially during the summer.

The pH of the water is not something you should worry too much about, as long as it is neutral or somewhat alkaline (pH between 7 and 8).

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From early spring to late summer It is advisable (but not mandatory) to fertilize the bindweed from time to time with fertilizers such as guano in its liquid form (for sale here!) following the instructions specified on the package. This is a high quality and effective natural fertilizer that contains all the nutrients that plants need for their proper growth and development.

In the case of bindweed, if you have it planted in the garden, it will not be very necessary for you to fertilize it, but if it is in a pot, it is because the substrate is running out of nutrients.

Multiplication

The convolvulus arvensis multiplies by seeds in springfollowing this step by step:

  1. First, put the seeds in a glass of water for about 24 hours.
  2. Then plant them in seedling trays (for sale here!) with universal substrate placing a maximum of 2 seeds in each alveolus.
  3. Then, water thoroughly, soaking the entire substrate well.
  4. Finally, place the tray outside, in semi-shade, and keep the substrate moist.

So will germinate in a few daysusually in no more than a week.

Plagues and diseases

It is very resistant, but it is prone to powdery mildewwhich is a disease transmitted by fungi that cause damage to young leaves and stems, causing whitish, cottony or mealy-looking spots to appear. It is fought with fungicides that contain copper or sulfur.

Powdery mildew fungus

Related article:

Powdery mildew

Pruning

You can prune bindweed Whenever necessary. Remove dry, diseased or weak stems, and also trim those that are getting too long giving the plant a messy look.

Disinfect the scissors before and after use to prevent infection.

Planting or transplanting time

In springwhen the risk of frost has passed.

Rusticity

The Convovulus arvensis being native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia it is able to withstand frosts down to -7ºCbut grows best in mild-temperate or warm climates.

What uses is it given?

Bindweed is a herb

It is a plant that it is used as an ornamental. It produces very beautiful flowers, which added to its rapid growth make it an interesting option to cover those areas of the garden that we do not quite like.

But beware: it grows VERY fast and can occupy, if not controlled, large areas. That is why it is essential to prune it in order to keep it only in the place you want.

If you live in North America, keep in mind that it is considered an invasive plant in some places, so before buying one, find out if the possession of convolvulus arvensis in your country.

How to control it?

With frequent pruning. In areas where it has become invasive, it is eliminated with systemic herbicides following the indications specified on the package.

What did you think of the bindweed?

Morning Glory (Convolvulus arvensis)

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