Silverbush (Convolvulus cneorum) is a Mediterranean native shrub that brings silvery elegance to sunny gardens in zones 8-10. This dense, mounding evergreen dwarf grows 12-24 inches tall and spreads 24-36 inches wide, creating a soft mound of silky, silver-gray foliage that remains attractive year-round. From June through August, delicate funnel-shaped white flowers emerge against the luminous foliage, offering a clean, modern aesthetic. In colder climates, it thrives as an annual in containers or garden beds, while in warmer zones it persists as a low-maintenance landscape shrub.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-10
24in H x 36in W
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High
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The foliage is the real star here: lanceolate evergreen leaves are densely covered in silky silver-gray hairs that catch the light beautifully, creating a shimmering effect that persists from spring through fall. Once established, this plant asks for almost nothing; it tolerates drought easily and handles full sun without complaint. The contrast between those luminous leaves and the clean white flowers creates a sophisticated garden presence that reads well from a distance, especially in Mediterranean, contemporary, or xeriscape designs.
Silverbush is grown primarily for ornamental purposes, particularly in containers where its compact mounding form and silver foliage shine. In zones 8-10, it serves as a permanent landscape shrub, while in colder regions gardeners cultivate it as a season-long annual in pots or garden beds. The luminous foliage and delicate flowers make it especially valuable for contemporary gardens, Mediterranean designs, and xeriscape plantings where visual impact and low maintenance are priorities.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks prior to your last spring frost date to give seedlings time to develop before transplanting outdoors.
Transplant outdoors about 2 weeks prior to your last spring frost date once seedlings are established. Space plants 24-36 inches apart to accommodate their mature spread.
Seeds can be started outdoors approximately 2 weeks prior to your last spring frost date for direct sowing in garden beds or containers.
Silverbush requires minimal pruning due to its naturally dense, mounding form. In zone 8-10 where it persists as a permanent shrub, light pruning after flowering can help maintain a compact shape, but it is not necessary. The plant naturally resists becoming leggy or overgrown.
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“Silverbush originates from the Mediterranean region, where it has evolved to thrive in sun-baked, dry conditions. The plant entered cultivation as gardeners recognized the ornamental value of its striking silver foliage and delicate flowers. While no specific breeding history or heirloom story exists in the available data, its enduring presence in nursery commerce reflects how Mediterranean natives have become valued landscape staples wherever climates permit.”