Convolvulus sabatius - Ground Morning Glory
I am always looking for easy care ground covers and Convolvulus sabatius definitely fits the bill. Pronounced: kon-voll'-view-lus. This well behaved plant has been around for decades in the nursery trade and is in the Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae). Unlike some of its close relatives, this Morning Glory is not invasive and is a wonderful addition to the water-wise garden.
Native to the Mediterranean, it originated in Northwestern Africa (Algeria & Morocco). It also grows in Spain & Italy. For many years I knew this plant as Convolvulus maritanicus. The specific epithet sabatius, that we now use, comes from a region in Italy Vada Sabatia where the plant was first described by Italian botanist Domenico Viviani in 1824.
Convolvulus sabatius stays in full flower during the warm months: spring through fall. The rich green foliage gives this water-wise perennial a fresh appearance.
Ground Morning Glory, like most ground covers, has a trailing habit. It works well spilling over a wall or trailing over the edge of a tall pot. It stays nice and low – under 6 inches in my garden. The eventual spread of this plant when very happy, can easily get up to 6 ft. I clip it back once or twice a year. These plants tolerate the heavy alkaline clay soils we have here in Corona. But like many Mediterranean plants, they must have good drainage. In my experience Convolvulus sabatius needs very little water. I consider this perennial fairly long-lived, having had one plant in my perennial bed that is probably pushing 10 years now.
The Ground Morning Glory in my garden; this plant is about 10 years old and can spread to 6 ft or more. Easily kept in bounds, I trim it once or twice during the growing season.
The numerous small deep green leaves lend this plant a very fresh appearance – a big bonus in our ‘dry’ gardens that can often lean heavily on gray foliage. All year round it bears lovely lavender-blue flowers about 1 to 2 inches across. The bloom is heaviest in the warmer months; spring through fall. I think this plant looks best as an accent in the mixed border. The blue color works well with just about every other color. I have it in a bed with dwarf aloes and enjoy the complimentary effect of the orange aloe blossoms against the blue morning glory.
Well worth a try, this plant should not be hard to find in your local nursery. Make sure you ask specifically for Convolvulus sabatius (maritanicus). Using the general term “morning glory” could land you in a world of hurt if you get the invasive Blue Morning Glory vine by mistake.
