Convolvulus cneorum – A Striking Evergreen Shrub with Silvery Foliage and Abundant Flowers
Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as Silverbush or Bush Morning Glory, is a compact, evergreen shrub that captivates with its silvery-grey foliage, vibrant white flowers, and low-maintenance nature. Native to the Mediterranean region, this hardy plant is perfect for adding a splash of brightness and texture to gardens, patios, and containers. Known for its resilience to drought and full sun, Convolvulus cneorum is an excellent choice for Mediterranean-style gardens, coastal landscapes, and areas requiring minimal upkeep.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring/Summer: From late spring to summer, Convolvulus cneorum produces an abundance of funnel-shaped, pure white flowers with a subtle pinkish tinge. These flowers have a delicate, star-like appearance and are borne in clusters at the tips of its branches. The blooms, which often attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, create a striking contrast against the plant's silvery foliage.
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Autumn: In autumn, the plant's silvery leaves remain attractive, and the blooms gradually fade, though occasional flowers may still appear. The evergreen nature of Convolvulus cneorum ensures that it provides year-round interest, even during the cooler months.
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Winter: While the flowers may disappear during the winter months, the plant's silvery-grey, lance-shaped leaves maintain their beauty throughout the colder season. This makes it an ideal choice for providing structure and colour in winter landscapes.
Structure & Form
Convolvulus cneorum is a compact, bushy shrub that typically grows to a height of 0.6–1m (2–3ft) with a spread of 0.75–1.2m (2.5–4ft). It has an elegant, rounded form with slender, arching stems that create a natural mound of attractive, silvery foliage. The lance-shaped leaves are covered in fine silvery hairs, giving them a soft, velvety appearance that contrasts beautifully with the bright white flowers. Its low-growing habit makes it ideal for planting in borders, rock gardens, or containers, and it works well in both formal and informal garden settings.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Mediterranean & Coastal Gardens: With its tolerance for dry, sunny conditions, Convolvulus cneorum is perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens or coastal landscapes. Its ability to withstand salt and wind makes it an excellent choice for seaside gardens or areas exposed to strong winds.
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Rock & Gravel Gardens: This shrub's compact size and drought tolerance make it a great addition to rock gardens or gravel plantings. It thrives in well-drained soil and adds texture and colour to dry, stony spots.
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Container & Patio Gardens: Convolvulus cneorum's small size and evergreen nature make it perfect for containers. It can be used to brighten up patios, balconies, or terraces, and its striking flowers and silvery foliage create an elegant focal point in any outdoor space.
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Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Due to its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements, Convolvulus cneorum is an ideal plant for low-maintenance gardens. It can be used in borders, mixed plantings, or as a ground cover, providing a beautiful, no-fuss solution for a variety of landscape designs.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Convolvulus cneorum thrives in full sun, where it will produce the most abundant blooms and maintain its attractive silvery foliage. It can tolerate light partial shade, though its flowering may be less prolific in shadier conditions.
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Soil: This shrub prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as they are not overly rich or waterlogged. It also thrives in slightly alkaline soils, making it suitable for many Mediterranean-inspired or dry gardens.
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Hardiness: Convolvulus cneorum is hardy in USDA zones 8–10, making it ideal for temperate and mild climates. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual or in containers that are brought indoors during the winter months. It is highly tolerant of drought and salt, making it well-suited to coastal and dry areas.
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Maintenance: This plant is relatively low-maintenance and thrives with minimal attention. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering. Regular pruning after flowering can help maintain its compact shape and promote fresh growth. It is also a good idea to remove any dead or damaged wood to keep the plant looking tidy.
Why Choose Convolvulus cneorum?
Convolvulus cneorum is a beautiful, versatile shrub that combines ornamental beauty with ease of care. Its silvery foliage, fragrant white flowers, and compact form make it an ideal choice for a range of garden styles. Whether used in coastal gardens, rockeries, or containers, it adds a touch of elegance and resilience, thriving in dry, sunny conditions with minimal effort. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant with year-round interest and beautiful blooms, Convolvulus cneorum is a perfect solution.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Mediterranean & Drought-Tolerant Plants – Combine with other drought-tolerant species like Lavender, Thymus (Thyme), or Cistus (Rock Rose) for a relaxed, Mediterranean-style garden with fragrant flowers and soft, silvery foliage.
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Coastal & Seaside Plants – Pair with coastal plants such as Limonium (Sea Lavender), Armeria (Thrift), or Echium (Viper’s Bugloss) for a hardy, salt-tolerant landscape that thrives in windy, coastal conditions.
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Rock & Gravel Gardens – Combine with low-growing, hardy plants like Sedum, Echinacea, or Penstemon for a striking, low-maintenance garden that features a variety of textures and colours.
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Container & Patio Gardens – Plant with other compact, container-friendly plants such as Geraniums, Petunias, or Fuchsias for a vibrant patio display that requires minimal upkeep.
Convolvulus cneorum is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering beautiful flowers, silvery foliage, and a compact, evergreen form. Whether used in coastal landscapes, rock gardens, or containers, this stunning shrub brings elegance and structure to any outdoor space with very little maintenance. Its resilience to drought and full sun, combined with its fragrant blooms, makes it an exceptional choice for a wide range of garden settings.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
