Convolvulus sabatius Compacta - Blue rock bindweed

Convolvulus sabatius Compacta is a creeping undershrub with long prostrate branches, adorned with small evergreen green leaves in mild climates, which bears lavender blue flowers throughout the summer and into autumn. It will bring uniqueness to rockeries, the tops of walls, and rocky terrains. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is a slightly frost-sensitive species that should be reserved for mild climates, especially coastal areas as it is not afraid of sea spray, or for annual pots and hanging baskets.

Convolvulus sabatius is a plant of the Convolvulaceae family. It is a close cousin of the hedge bindweed, which frequently invades our gardens and also bears cup-shaped flowers, but don't panic, the comparison stops there, C. sabatius is not climbing! This bindweed is native to the Moroccan coast, but also seems to be present in Italy, as it is named after the ancient Roman city of Vada Sabatia (now Vado Ligure, not far from Genoa). This beautiful species is found on rather arid coastlines, in dry, rocky, often limestone soils.
It forms a low cushion, gradually spreading through its long creeping, somewhat woody stems. They are adorned with small ovate leaves, evergreen in mild climates. Between late June and October, the blue rock bindweed reveals its major asset: it produces hundreds of elegant and rare light blue to lavender cup-shaped flowers, delicately marked with yellow by the stamens. The clump is not invasive and simply crawls over a rockery or cascades from a wall.
Very similar to the original species, this variety Compacta is smaller in size: the plant reaches a height of only about 15 cm (6in), with a spread of 50 cm (20in) to 80 cm (32in) under very good conditions. Like the original species, it tolerates most soils, from slightly acidic to limestone, as long as they are well-drained. Growing Convolvulus sabatius Compacta is very easy and essentially involves planting it in a suitable location: that is, in full sun, in a perfectly drained rocky soil. Once established, it will never require a drop of water! In fact, it's better to forget about watering it too much, as it dislikes it.

Rockeries, path borders, stairs, and the tops of stone walls are ideal places to plant this Convolvulus sabatius Compacta. It will make an excellent groundcover in milder coastal areas. However, its hardiness is quickly put to the test, and it will be difficult to keep it outdoors if temperatures frequently drop below -5°C (23°F) at your location, especially if the soil is not well-drained in winter. Even if it doesn't die, know that the plant will lose its above-ground parts if exposed to pronounced frost. Some sources mention resistance down to -8°C (17.6°F), but this is only possible in a dry and suitable environment. Under less favourable conditions, blue rock bindweed remains an excellent plant for annual hanging baskets. In cool climates, you can also treat it as a perennial in a pot that you will shelter during winter in a cool and sufficiently bright location (veranda, garage with windows...).

In favourable climates, this beautiful plant will form superb associations with other Mediterranean plants, preferably shrubs or upright plants to avoid competition in terms of soil occupation. For example, Cassia floribunda with its long-lasting exotic bright yellow flowers will create a superb colour contrast with our bindweed's blue. Rockroses will also be good companions, just as resistant to drought as it is, as well as Carissa with its fragrant white flowers, which also withstands sea spray like our little Mauritanian bindweed.