Convolvulus cneorum – Planting & Care Guide

About Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum, commonly known as the Silverbush, is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its shimmering silver-grey foliage and masses of pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers. Flowering from late spring into early summer, with occasional blooms throughout the warmer months, it provides striking contrast and year-round interest in the garden.

Its compact, rounded habit and silky silver leaves make it a favourite for Mediterranean-style gardens, coastal planting and gravel gardens. Growing to approximately 60–90cm tall with a spread of 90–120cm, Convolvulus cneorum is ideal for sunny borders, raised beds, rockeries and patio containers. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, while the evergreen foliage provides colour throughout every season.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering and foliage colour.
• Choose a warm, sheltered position with good air circulation.
• Prefers light, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for sandy, chalky and loamy soils.
• Improve heavy clay soils by adding horticultural grit and organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen any circling roots.
• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light gravel mulch around the base to improve drainage and suppress weeds.
• Space plants approximately 90cm–1 metre apart to allow room for mature growth.

Care & Maintenance

Convolvulus cneorum is a drought-tolerant shrub that requires very little maintenance once established.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.
• Avoid overwatering, particularly during winter.
• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Avoid excessive feeding, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Ensure the planting site remains free-draining throughout the year.
• Water container-grown plants when the compost begins to dry.
• Protect young plants during severe winter weather in exposed locations.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed to keep the plant compact and healthy.

• Lightly trim after the main flowering period.
• Remove any dead, damaged or diseased stems.
• Prune lightly to maintain its naturally rounded shape.
• Avoid cutting back into old woody stems, as regrowth can be slow.
• Remove faded flowers if desired to keep the plant looking tidy.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Convolvulus cneorum
• Common Name: Silverbush
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 60–90cm
• Spread: 90–120cm
• Flower Colour: Pure white with pale yellow centres
• Flowering Period: May to July, with occasional repeat flowers
• Foliage: Silvery-grey evergreen leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK in well-drained, sheltered locations

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Convolvulus cneorum is perfect for adding texture, contrast and year-round interest.

• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Coastal gardens
• Rockeries
• Raised beds
• Mixed shrub borders
• Patio containers
• Contemporary gardens
• Low-maintenance gardens
• Drought-tolerant planting schemes

It combines beautifully with Lavender, Santolina, Salvia, Hebe, Agapanthus, Euphorbia, Senecio and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Silvery evergreen foliage provides year-round colour.
• Fresh new growth appears in spring.
• Pure white flowers cover the plant from late spring into early summer.
• Flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.
• Silver foliage creates beautiful contrast with surrounding plants throughout the year.
• The compact, rounded habit provides structure even during winter.

Common Problems

Convolvulus cneorum is generally healthy and easy to grow when planted in suitable conditions.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot, especially during winter.
• Excessive winter wet is the most common cause of plant loss.
• Leaf yellowing may occur in heavy or waterlogged soils.
• Aphids may occasionally appear on fresh spring growth.
• Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as recovery may be slow.

With its striking silver foliage, elegant white flowers and naturally compact habit, Convolvulus cneorum is an excellent evergreen shrub for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and highly drought tolerant once established, it brings year-round beauty and texture to borders, containers, gravel gardens and coastal planting schemes while requiring very little maintenance

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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