Mallow bindweed is a herbaceous perennial climbing vine and a member of the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae, that also includes sweet potato, water spinach, and dodder. Native to southern Europe along the Mediterranean, it grows 6″ tall from a rhizomatous rootstock and has trailing stems with silvery gray green foliage. The lower leaves are deeply lobed while the upper leaves are finely divided. The solitary funnel shaped flowers are pink, 1-2″ across, and appear on long leafless stems in late spring and summer. Plants are suitable for groundcovers, borders, and containers. The genus name ,Convolvulus, comes from the Latin word convolvere meaning to twine around and refers to the stems of some members of the genus. The specific epithet, althaeoides, comes from the Greek word althaia meaning a cure, and is the botanical name for hollyhock, so refers to the resemblace of mallow bindweed flowers to those of hollyhock.
Type: Herbaceous perennial vine
Bloom: Solitary funnel shaped pink flowers 1-2″ across on long leafless stems in late spring and summer
Size: 6″ H x 1.5-2′ W
Light:Full sun
Soil: Average, moderately moist, well-drained; tolerates drought once established
Hardiness: Zones 7-10
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, division, cuttings
Companion Plants: Marigold, zinnia, ostespermum, Salvia
Karen Meyers