Calystegia sepium

Cultivation

Occurs naturally in woodlands and hedges, on banks and verges, and in rough or waste ground. May creep into gardens from adjacent areas, be brought in as root fragments with other plants or, occasionally, spread by seed. The long, twining stems and tangled mass of roots mean it can compete strongly with garden plants and may need to be controlled. Where it can be allowed, the large white flowers are attractive and good for pollinators and the leaves are a food plant for several moth caterpillars including elephant hawkmoth and convolvulus hawkmoth. See bindweed for further information

Propagation

Spreads from underground sections of stem and roots and, occasionally, seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

• Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free