The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory (Convolvulus cneorum) is an evergreen shrub with shimmering, silvery foliage and white, trumpet-shaped flowers, often with yellow centers. These blooms appear from late spring through summer. Native to the Mediterranean, this resilient, low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for various garden settings, rock gardens, or containers.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced bloom production, and a less vibrant silvery sheen on its foliage. While it tolerates partial sun, especially in hotter climates where afternoon shade can be beneficial, full sun maximizes blooming.
Watering
This plant is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers moderate watering, with the soil allowed to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering, especially in containers or poorly drained soils, can lead to root damage and disease. Water deeply but infrequently in the garden; for pots, rewater when the topsoil is dry.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial. It performs best in sandy or rocky substrates to prevent waterlogging and can adapt to poor soil conditions. The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral or slightly alkaline. If growing in a container, use a well-draining potting mix containing perlite or coarse sand for aeration and drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory prefers moderate, Mediterranean-like temperatures. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 10, tolerating temperatures down to -5°C or -10°C. In colder winter regions, it may be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors as a houseplant. It prefers average to low humidity and requires no special humidity conditions.
Fertilizing
This species has minimal fertilization needs. If grown in poor soil or a container, a balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season. Too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of flower production, so use fertilizers richer in phosphorus and potassium. Established plants generally benefit from yearly fertilization in spring, but a soil test can help determine specific nutrient deficiencies.
Planting Your Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory
When planting, select a location with full sun exposure and good air circulation. This provides ample light for robust growth and reduces fungal issues. The planting site should have well-drained soil; if necessary, amend heavy clay soils with compost or grit to improve drainage.
To plant, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Gently remove the plant from its container, teasing out roots, then position it in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill and firm the soil gently around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. For container growing, choose a pot with good drainage holes and use a suitable potting mix.
Ongoing Maintenance and Pruning
Regular upkeep helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages continuous blooming. Light pruning after the main flowering period in spring or early summer maintains a compact form, encourages bushier growth, and removes spent flowers.
For significant shaping or to rejuvenate an older plant, prune harder in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting back leggy or scraggly stems. Always use sharp, clean pruning shears to make precise cuts and prevent disease spread. In colder zones (USDA Zone 7 and below), consider bringing container plants indoors for winter protection, or mulching ground-planted specimens if light frost is expected.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Lack of blooms often stems from insufficient sunlight, as the plant needs at least six hours of direct sun daily to flower optimally. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can suppress flowering by promoting excessive foliage growth. Both overwatering and underwatering can stress the plant, reducing its ability to produce flowers.
Leggy growth (stretched stems with sparse foliage) indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or pruning elongated stems can restore a compact shape. Yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues, such as overwatering leading to root rot or poor drainage. While nutrient deficiencies are less common for this plant, they can also contribute to yellowing foliage.
The Shaggy Dwarf Morning-Glory is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Occasional issues include aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs, especially on tender new growth or when plants are stressed indoors. Fungal problems like powdery mildew or leaf spot can occur with excessive moisture or poor air circulation. Addressing these issues often involves improving air circulation, adjusting watering practices, or using gentle insecticidal soaps for pests.