Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 30cm/12in, width: 15cm/6in
Mediterranean in origin, Convolvulus tricolor is a garden relative of bindweed, though happily much less rampant. Like its other familiar cousin, ipomoea (morning glory), it bears open, trumpet-shaped blue flowers which appear throughout the summer and (unlike morning glory) stay open all day.
PROPAGATION Sow seed in the open in spring, covering with cloches to protect from cold until the plants are established. Thin seedlings to 12cm/5in when they reach 5cm/2in in height.
GROWING Give C. tricolor a sheltered site on ordinary, well drained soil. Keep the young plants free of weeds. Remove faded flowerheads to ensure a succession of blooms.
VARIETIES Blue Flash', dwarf variety, bushy plants, deep blue flower with yellow and white eye; `Crimson Monarch', cherry-red flowers; `Sky Blue', light blue.
