Hedge Bindweed

calystegia sepium

Also known as: ["Greater Bindweed","Bearbind","Devil’s Guts"]

Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Calystegia Category: Flowers

Overview

A vigorous, twining vine with large, heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped white flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Calystegia
Botanical Name: Calystegia sepium

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border, trellis, or fence for climbing support
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, but generally every 1–2 years or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on season and light intensity.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth may indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

rich, moist, well-drained loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid overwatering; enrich with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler conditions but avoid frost.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late autumn; use a balanced formula for overall health.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems back to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove crossing or crowded stems.

Pruning Plan

Prune to control growth, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy or after flowering; remove dead or damaged growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased water demand.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Calystegia sepium may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, root rot, or pest infestations, all of which disrupt normal physiological processes and reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Wilting in Calystegia sepium is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root damage from overwatering or pathogens, which impairs the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Calystegia sepium are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthetic area, potential defoliation, and weakened plant health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Calystegia sepium is commonly caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils, leading to decay of plant tissues, impaired nutrient uptake, and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest the roots or tubers of Calystegia sepium may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The alkaloids present in these parts can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots tubers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected or if symptoms appear.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of the roots and tubers of Calystegia sepium may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not severe but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots tubers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor dogs if they have ingested parts of the plant. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Calystegia sepium, commonly known as hedge bindweed, contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The roots and tubers are the primary toxic parts, though the toxicity is generally low and not life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots tubers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming any part of the plant. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hedge Bindweed invasive?

A: Yes, it is highly invasive and can quickly overtake gardens if not controlled.

Q: Does Hedge Bindweed have any medicinal uses?

A: Historically, it has been used in folk medicine for its laxative properties, but modern use is limited.

Q: How do I control Hedge Bindweed in my garden?

A: Regularly dig out the roots, as they can spread deeply and persistently.

Quick Reference
Family: Convolvulaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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