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

 

By Karen