Hegde bindweed
How to identify hedge bindweed
Calystegia sepium, also known as hedge bindweed or bellbind, is a perennial weed. It has large, green, heart-shaped leaves and produces white, trumpet-like flowers in summer from June to September. The plant dies down in autumn. New growth appears in early spring.
Habit
Hedge bindweed is fast-growing with long, thin climbing stems, twining around other plants. It smothers perennials, shrubs, and hedges and reduces their growth. This bindweed is problematic as it has wide-spreading root systems.
Tips for getting rid of hedge bindweed
Three ways to control hedge bindweed
1 Digging out bindweed roots
The best way to eradicate hedge bindweed in borders is by digging out the roots. This is not an easy job as the white, fleshy roots break up easily and every section left in the soil will regrow into a new plant. Use a fork to dig out the roots. Using a garden fork will prevent damaging the brittle roots.
You can do this job during the growing season. Alternatively, mark the position of the plants and fork them out in winter or in early spring as new growth appears.
Don’t put the bindweed roots on a compost heap. Bin them or burn the roots.
Stems of hedge bindweed Leaves of hedge bindweed
2. Prune the stems back to ground level
If it’s not possible to dig up the roots, cut the long, thin stems back at ground level continuously throughout the growing season. This type of pruning will weaken the growth of hedge bindweed.
3. Don’t allow the plants to set seeds
New hedge bindweed plants can establish from seed. Stop the weed from flowering and setting seed. Keep removing the white flowers throughout the summer.
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