Bush Morning Glory
Convolvulus cneorum
A fast-growing European groundcover with showy white flowers against silvery foliage that demands well-drained soil.
Hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and evergreen in mild winters, it tolerates brief frost to the low 20s°F but resents both wet cold and poorly drained soil more than heat.
AMWUA Notes
A higher-water Mediterranean accent best reserved for well-drained beds and containers rather than large low-water masses.
Care Guide
Despite its Mediterranean origin it wants regular deep water every 5-7 days in the heat of a low-desert summer, but it must have fast drainage or the crown rots quickly.
Shear lightly after the main spring flush to keep the silver mound compact and encourage rebloom; avoid cutting into leafless old wood.
Feed sparingly with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring; too much nitrogen reduces the silvery leaf sheen.
Prone to root rot in clay or overwatered beds; otherwise little troubled by insects.
Silky white funnel flowers open over silvery foliage mainly in spring; foliage may burn in the hardest frosts but usually recovers.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Needs gritty, fast-draining sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor and alkaline ground but rots in clay or heavy, wet soils.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer; also grown from seed.
2-3 ft on center as a front-of-border accent
Shallow, non-invasive roots; the real concern is crown rot in poorly drained beds, so avoid low spots and lawn overspray.
Placement Tips
- •Best in raised beds, containers, and gritty berms where drainage is guaranteed.
- •Space 2-3 ft apart as a front-of-border silver accent in Mediterranean designs.
- •Pair the silver foliage against dark boulders or deep-green shrubs for contrast.
- •Give full sun and afternoon air movement; avoid low spots where water collects.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Bush Morning Glory. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Bush Morning Glory — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Bush Morning Glory need in Phoenix?
Bush Morning Glory is a moderate-water groundcover once established. Despite its Mediterranean origin it wants regular deep water every 5-7 days in the heat of a low-desert summer, but it must have fast drainage or the crown rots quickly. A higher-water Mediterranean accent best reserved for well-drained beds and containers rather than large low-water masses.
How big does Bush Morning Glory get?
Expect roughly 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 2-3 ft on center as a front-of-border accent of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; the real concern is crown rot in poorly drained beds, so avoid low spots and lawn overspray.
Can you plant Bush Morning Glory near a pool?
Yes. Bush Morning Glory is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Bush Morning Glory handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Bush Morning Glory is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and evergreen in mild winters, it tolerates brief frost to the low 20s°F but resents both wet cold and poorly drained soil more than heat. Silky white funnel flowers open over silvery foliage mainly in spring; foliage may burn in the hardest frosts but usually recovers.
Does Bush Morning Glory have thorns?
No. Bush Morning Glory is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Bush Morning Glory safe around pets?
Bush Morning Glory is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Bush Morning Glory bloom in Arizona?
Bush Morning Glory blooms in spring, with white flowers. The bloom draws bees.
How much maintenance does Bush Morning Glory need?
Bush Morning Glory is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Shear lightly after the main spring flush to keep the silver mound compact and encourage rebloom; avoid cutting into leafless old wood.
What kind of soil does Bush Morning Glory need?
Needs gritty, fast-draining sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor and alkaline ground but rots in clay or heavy, wet soils. Nutrient needs are low. Feed sparingly with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring; too much nitrogen reduces the silvery leaf sheen.
Is Bush Morning Glory native to Arizona?
No. Bush Morning Glory is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Southern Europe, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.