Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium)

Also known as: Bellbind

Bindweed, a relative of the Morning Glory, features trumpet-shaped flowers that grow in a slightly different manner. Often viewed as a weed, it tends to spread aggressively and can smother other plants. Despite its invasive nature, the flowers are quite attractive. In the UK, children sometimes play a game where they pop the flowers off the vine.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Hedge bindweed

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

2 m to 4 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3 cm to 7 cm

Flower Color

White Pink Purple

Images of Hedge bindweed

Quickly Identify Hedge bindweed

Large, arrowhead-shaped leaves measuring 2.5-5 inches (6.35-12.7 cm) in length.

Funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers, 2.5-3 inches (6.4-7.6 cm) in diameter.

Oval seed capsules less than 0.5 inches (about 1.3 cm) across, releasing 2-4 seeds.

Twining light green to red stems reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length.

Leathery leaves with paler undersides and slightly hairy margins for identification.

Scientific Classification of Hedge bindweed

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Solanales

Family

Morning-glory

Genus

Bindweeds

Species

Hedge bindweed

Planting and Growing of Hedge bindweed

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Hedge bindweed?

Calystegia sepium enjoys a moist environment. When watering, ensure enough water to soak the soil to a depth of around 1-2 inches. This will encourage strong root growth and ensure the plant remains hydrated. Avoid overly soggy soil as it can lead to root problems.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Hedge bindweed? ›

What should I do if my Hedge bindweed is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Hedge bindweed? ›

How to save an overwatered Hedge bindweed? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Hedge bindweed?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

A mix of full sun to partial sun is ideal, enhancing its growth potential. Optimal light ensures vigorous foliage growth, substantial flowering, and a healthy plant structure. It supports photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake.

What is the best lighting condition for Calystegia sepium? ›

How can you achieve the ideal light conditions? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting conditions for Calystegia sepium? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Hedge bindweed?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

For optimal growth of Calystegia sepium, maintaining a consistent temperature between 65°F and 75°F is recommended. This range supports vigorous growth and ensures the physiological processes of the plant can be conducted without stress.

What Soil is Best for Hedge bindweed?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sandy soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Calystegia sepium thrives best in soil that drains well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, allowing roots to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively, which promotes healthy growth. While good drainage is necessary, these plants also benefit from soil that retains moisture. A balance is struck with loam and sandy loam soils, which help maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A soil rich in nutrients supports the vigorous growth of Calystegia sepium. Regularly feeding the soil with organic matter like compost increases nutrient availability, enhancing overall plant health and blooming capability.

How to Fertilize Hedge bindweed?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Calystegia sepium prefers a balanced approach when it comes to fertilization. Use a general-purpose liquid fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, to ensure the plant gets the right amount of nutrients without overwhelming its delicate roots.

How to Prune Hedge bindweed?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by assessing the plant’s overall health and structure. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove dead or damaged stems. Cut back tangled vines to a manageable length, focusing on maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Aim to prune the plant back to an overall height of about one to two feet to stimulate new growth and help control its size.

How to Propagate Hedge bindweed plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Harvest seeds from mature Calystegia sepium flowers after they have dried up but before they fall to the ground. Make sure the seeds are fully mature for the best germination results.

Select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut a segment approximately 10-15 cm long below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose several nodes; these nodes are where roots will emerge.

Plant the seeds or cuttings in a well-drained potting mix. Water the medium thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

How to Repot Hedge bindweed plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Repotting should be considered when you notice that the roots of Calystegia sepium are growing out of the drainage holes, or if the plant seems stunted in growth. This typically indicates that the plant has outgrown its current pot and is in need of more space to thrive. Early spring to early summer is an ideal time as the plant is in an active growing phase, allowing it to recover more rapidly from the stress of repotting.

Select a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, ideally 2-4 inches wider in diameter. This prevents the soil from staying too wet, which can lead to root rot. The pot should also have adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape easily, ensuring that the roots have access to oxygen and do not suffocate in waterlogged soil.

Choose a rich, well-draining soil to help Calystegia sepium thrive. A potting mix with organic matter, such as peat or compost, is ideal as it retains moisture while providing essential nutrients. Additionally, incorporating perlite or sand will improve drainage, ensuring the roots are not sitting in water for prolonged periods.

Toxicity of Hedge bindweed

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to cat?

Cats can suffer from physical distress if they consume the seeds of hedge bindweed, a plant recognized for its toxicity. The primary method by which cats encounter the harmful effects of hedge bindweed is through unintentional consumption, which often happens during outdoor exploration or direct contact with the seeds of the plant. It is essential for cat owners to be informed about the risk of poisoning and to keep a vigilant eye on their pets for any signs of illness. If a cat exhibits any unusual behavior or physical symptoms, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the optimal health outcome for the animal.

Is Hedge bindweed toxic to dog?

Hedge bindweed is known to be toxic to dogs. If they accidentally consume this plant, dogs can experience poisoning. The primary way dogs come into contact with hedge bindweed is by ingesting its seeds, which are the plant's poisonous component. Once a dog has ingested hedge bindweed, it may show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal discomfort. It is essential for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to areas where hedge bindweed thrives. Should a dog consume any portion of hedge bindweed, particularly the seeds, it is crucial to seek prompt veterinary attention to ensure the best possible care for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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