Is this plant invasive?

Yes, it is highly aggressive and can be difficult to remove once established.

Does it need a trellis?

It benefits from a sturdy support structure to climb.

Plant guide

Large bindweed.

Calystegia silvatica

Pronounced ka-lis-TEE-jee-uh sil-VAT-ih-kuh

Also known as Large Bindweed, shortstalk false bindweed, short-stalked false bindweed, American Bellbine

large bindweed — Photo by wordman (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

This vigorous climber is a common sight in hedgerows and gardens across Europe. It produces beautiful, trumpet shaped white flowers that really stand out against its lush foliage. Just be careful where you plant it, as it can be quite aggressive in the garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial climber
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Mid summer to early autumn

Care

This plant is very hardy and needs little attention once established, though it often requires a sturdy support structure to climb. Keep an eye on its spread, as it can quickly overtake nearby plants if left unchecked. If you see it venturing into unwanted areas, simply prune it back to keep it contained.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
Feeding: A balanced liquid fertilizer applied during the spring and summer helps support its rapid growth.
Pruning: Trim back stems throughout the growing season to manage its size and prevent it from smothering other plants.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound in its container, though it is best suited for ground planting.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -29 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic but can cause mild stomach irritation if ingested.
Children: Keep children away from the vines as they can be a tripping hazard or cause minor skin irritation from the stems.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause digestive upset if consumed.

How to identify it

Large white trumpet shaped flowers
Heart shaped green leaves
Twining stems that climb
Bracts enclosing the flower base

Height: 2 to 4m
Spread: 1 to 3m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, 5 to 8cm

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: The foliage will die back completely in winter. You can cut the dead stems to the ground after the first frost.
In containers: It is not recommended for containers as it will quickly outgrow them and become unmanageable.

Division

1. Dig up the root system in early spring.
2. Cut the rhizomes into smaller sections.
3. Replant the sections in a new location.

Only plant this near very large, established shrubs that can withstand its vigorous growth.

Grows well with

Hazel · It provides a sturdy structure for the bindweed to climb.

Similar species

Field Bindweed · It is a smaller, equally persistent relative.

Science

Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Calystegia
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and parts of Asia.
Conservation: This plant is common and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in hedgerows and woodland edges where it uses its twining stems to reach sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, moths
Uses: ornamental climber, ground cover, wildlife garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this plant invasive?: Yes, it is highly aggressive and can be difficult to remove once established.
Does it need a trellis?: It benefits from a sturdy support structure to climb.

Where the name comes from

The name Calystegia comes from the Greek words for cup and covering, referring to the bracts around the flower base.

Good to know

It is a very aggressive grower that can easily take over a garden.
The flowers open in the morning and close by evening.
It is often mistaken for morning glory due to its similar flower shape.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.