Convolvulus sabatius New Blue Moon

Convolvulus sabatius 'New Blue Moon' is an undershrub ground cover with long prostrate branches, adorned with semi-evergreen small leaves. Throughout summer and into autumn, it produces large, very bright cup-shaped flowers of a deep blue with a white centre. It is a unique way to dress up rockeries, the tops of walls, and stony terrain. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is a somewhat frost-tender species that should be reserved for mild climates (especially coastal areas, as it is not afraid of salt spray), or used in annual containers and hanging baskets.

Convolvulus sabatius 'New Blue Moon' belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is a close cousin of hedge bindweed, which frequently invades our gardens, and like it, it bears cup-shaped flowers. But don't worry, the comparison ends there! This bindweed is native to the Moroccan coastline, but also seems to be present in Italy as it was named after the ancient Roman city of Vada Sabatia (now Vado Ligure, not far from Genoa). This beautiful species is found in rather arid coastal areas, in dry and rocky, often limestone soils. It forms a low cushion, which gradually spreads through its long creeping, somewhat lignified stems. They are adorned with small ovate, evergreen leaves in mild climates. Between June and October, it reveals its major asset: it produces hundreds of cup-shaped flowers in a lovely deep blue, with a white centre. These flowers are appreciated by many butterflies and bees. The clump is not invasive and simply crawls over a rockery or cascades from a wall, which will disappear with the abundance (and length) of this incredible flowering. It reaches a height of about 10cm (4in), with a spread of 40cm (16in), or even more in very good conditions.

Cultivating Convolvulus sabatius 'New Blue Moon' is quite easy: it simply requires full sun and perfectly well-drained rocky soil. Once established, it will never ask for a single drop of water! In fact, it dislikes excess watering. Rockeries, path borders, steps, and the tops of stone walls are ideal places to grow it. Moreover, the species tolerates sea spray very well, making it an excellent ground cover choice in mild 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), especially if the soil is not well-drained in winter. Even if it doesn't die, its above-ground parts will suffer if exposed to pronounced frosts. Some sources mention a resistance of -8°C (17.6°F), but this is only possible in a dry and suitable environment. Under less favourable conditions, it still remains an excellent plant for annual hanging baskets or potted plants that you can store during winter.

This beautiful species, still not widely planted, will form splendid associations with other Mediterranean plants, such as Agapanthus 'Blue Heaven' , Agave ovatifolia, Flat-leaved Eryngo, or Euphorbia 'Purple and Gold'. It will also be a delightful ground cover at the base of tall perennials, such as the hemp-leaved marsh mallow.