Convolvulus
Common name: Dwarf Morning Glory
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Overview:
Morning glory is a relative of the bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) but it does not climb.
It is a good plant for containers and baskets the 35-40mm (1½") diameter flowers appear from July to September.
It originates from the limestone hills of the Mediterranean thus making it a useful plant for growing in a rock garden providing it is well drained.
The trumpet-like flowers come in a range of bright colours all with striking yellowish throats, and are a favourite of Bees and hawk-moths
They grow up to 300-400mm (12"-16") high, and spread to around 75mm (30")
Grow in any ordinary, well-drained garden soil, in a sunny position.
Deadhead the flowers regularly to prolong flowering season.
Cultivation:
Week 12:
Sow seeds under glass in pots or pans of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 18°C (65°F)
Germination should take four or five days.
Week 14:
Prick out the seedlings, when large enough to handle into trays / boxes of potting compost.
Week 16:
Harden off in a cold frame before planting out.
Week 22:
Plant out 150-200mm (6"-8") apart in a sunny well drained not to highly fertilised position when all risk of late frost has passed.
Do not overfeed as this will encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.