Convolvulus althaeoides

Convolvulus althaeoides, commonly known as False Mallow Bindweed or Provence Bindweed, is a treasure of Mediterranean flora. This climbing to creeping perennial wraps itself around surrounding plants, covering them with beautiful pink garlands. Its species name, althaeoides, is due to the resemblance of its hairy grey-green leaves to those of Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis). Perfectly at home in dry gardens, this bindweed can grow in the ground where winters are not too harsh. Outside of its native region, it is best to cultivate it in pots to control its spread.

Convolvulus althaeoides belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, like all bindweeds. Its distribution area is Mediterranean. It is not uncommon to find it in rocky, uncultivated, and arid places. It is a perennial plant with a long trailing rhizome and a woody stump that produces new shoots every spring. Its hairy vegetation is more or less prostrate. The vegetation reaches a height or spread of between 3cm (12in) and 1m (3ft). The leaves located at the base of the stems are arrow-shaped and almost entire, while those located in the upper part are deeply divided into thin lobes, eventually becoming thread-like. Flowering takes place from April to June in warm climates, and is delayed until summer in cooler areas. Many funnel-shaped corollas open at the axils of the leaves, measuring 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. The corolla is light pink, with a dark pink centre. The flowers are ephemeral, but they continuously renew themselves. The above-ground, deciduous vegetation dies back in winter.

It naturally finds its place in a dry garden without irrigation, among thyme, lavender, rosemary, Leucophyllum, and other drought-tolerant plants. It enhances all neighbouring plants, much like small clematis vines that weave through shrubs. It pairs well with Ceanothus prostratus or Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'. It is also a charming rock garden perennial, which can be combined, for example, with its cousins Silver Bindweed or Mauritanian Bindweed. Relatively hardy, this species tolerates brief frosts of around -10°C (14°F) in well-drained soil.