Convolvulus angustissimus 'Pink Sapphire'
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Australian Bindweed / Pink Sapphire Bindweed
Botanical Name: Convolvulus angustissimus 'Pink Sapphire'
Family: Convolvulaceae
Origin: Australia (native; cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-deciduous spreading perennial groundcover
Overview
'Pink Sapphire' is a selected form of the Australian native bindweed, producing a profusion of clear pink, funnel-shaped flowers from spring through to autumn over a carpet of fine, grey-green foliage. Unlike the weedy introduced bindweeds, this native is well-behaved and non-invasive, spreading gently to create excellent weed-suppressing groundcover in hot, dry sites. It thrives in the tough conditions of SA gardens and is particularly valuable for slopes, rockeries and low-water landscapes.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H x 0.5–1 m W
- Growth Rate: Moderate; 15–25 cm spread per year; low-creeping with a soft, trailing habit
- Foliage: Narrow, linear grey-green leaves; fine texture; silvery in bright light
- Flowers: Clear pink funnel-shaped blooms, approx. 2 cm wide; spring through autumn, closing at night; non-fragrant
- Seasonal Interest: Long flowering season spring–autumn; attractive fine foliage year-round
- Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and small native insects
- Tolerance: Excellent drought tolerance; frost hardy; heat-tolerant; wind-tolerant; thrives in poor and sandy soils; coastal-tolerant
- Planting Density: Groundcover: 4–6 plants per m²; slope stabilisation: 3–4 per m²
- Pet Friendly: Not listed as toxic; as with all Convolvulus, ingestion may cause mild digestive upset — discourage chewing
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun; flowers close in shade
- Soil: Well-drained to dry; sandy, gravelly or rocky soils; performs poorly in heavy wet clay
- Water Needs: Establishment: deep soak 2–3 times/week for 6–8 weeks. Established: minimal — deep soak monthly in summer; rarely in winter. Excellent dry-season tolerance once roots are down.
- Maintenance: Virtually maintenance-free once established; light trim in late winter to tidy; mulch lightly (avoid smothering crown)
- Lifespan: 5–10 years; self-seeds lightly to maintain population
- Climate Zones: Ideally suited to all SA regions including Adelaide metro, Hills, coastal and inland/Riverland areas
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerates pH 6.5–8.5
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Slope and embankment stabilisation in hot, exposed sites
- Rock gardens and dry Mediterranean-style plantings
- Verge and naturestrip planting where low water use is essential
- Underplanting for open native gardens between taller shrubs
Why You Will Love It
A tough, cheerful native that thrives on neglect — 'Pink Sapphire' delivers months of pink flowers in the hottest, driest spots in the garden, asking for virtually nothing in return.