Silver Bush - Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum, known as Silver Bush or Silverbush, is one of the most striking low-growing shrubs available for sunny, well-drained garden situations. The foliage is the main event even before the flowers arrive. Small oval leaves are densely covered in fine silver hairs that give the plant a shimmering, almost luminous quality in sunlight, creating a foliage effect that is genuinely distinctive and highly effective as a contrast plant against green, purple, or dark-leafed neighbours.

From late spring through summer, trumpet-shaped white flowers with a soft yellow centre open across the plant in a delicate and charming display that complements the silver foliage beautifully. Growing to approximately 40cm tall and 45cm wide, it is compact, dense, and naturally rounded in habit, requiring very little intervention to maintain its attractive form. Highly drought and wind tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soil types provided drainage is good, making it an outstanding choice for rockeries, borders, coastal gardens, low water garden designs, and verge plantings.

One of the most genuinely low-maintenance shrubs available, Convolvulus cneorum asks for virtually nothing beyond a well-drained position and full sun. No regular fertilising is required and it is generally trouble free. A light trim after flowering helps maintain a tidy compact shape and encourages fresh silver growth through the remainder of the season.

Key Features:

• Soil: Adapts to a wide range of soil types provided drainage is good. Does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained conditions.
• Light: Full sun to semi shade. Silver foliage colour and flower production are best in a full sun position. Tolerates semi shade but may be less compact and floriferous.
• Watering: Low once established. Water in well at planting and keep moist through the first season, then reduce significantly as drought tolerance develops. Overwatering in poorly drained soil is the most common cause of failure.
• Fertiliser: No regular fertilising required. If desired, a light application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers which can promote soft growth at the expense of the compact habit.
• Maintenance: Very low maintenance. A light trim after flowering helps maintain a tidy compact shape and encourages fresh silver growth. Avoid cutting back into old wood.
• Flowering: Late spring through summer. Trumpet-shaped white flowers with a soft yellow centre open across the plant, complementing the silver foliage in a delicate and charming seasonal display.

Good drainage is the single most important factor for long-term success with Convolvulus cneorum. In Melbourne's heavier clay soils, plant on a slight mound or raised bed to ensure water moves away from the root zone, or improve drainage with grit and organic matter before planting. In well-drained sandy or loam soils it will establish quickly and perform with virtually no ongoing care, making it one of the best value low-maintenance shrubs available for sunny garden positions.

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