Photo: Eleftherios KatsillisCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Scammony Plant Care
Convolvulus scammonia L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Convolvulus scammonia, also known as Scammony, is a perennial climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves and white to pink trumpet-shaped flowers. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its medicinal properties.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scammony?
Water Scammony every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Scammony Native To?
What Is the Scammony?
Scammony (Convolvulus scammonia) belongs to the Convolvulaceae family within the Convolvulus genus. Scammony is native to the countries of the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin. Scammony is also known as Scammony Bindweed.
Scammony displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Scammony produces showy trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scammony?
Convolvulus scammonia requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Scammony Need?
Scammony thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scammony Prefer?
Convolvulus scammonia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Scammony prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scammony?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Scammony to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scammony?
Feed Scammony every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Scammony?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Scammony?
Scammony can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mallow bindweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scammony Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scammony, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scammony?
Scammony is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scammony Need?
Scammony grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Scammony is native to the countries of the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Scammony is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Convolvulus genus — compare its care with other Convolvulus species on PlantoScan.
Convolvulus is part of the Convolvulaceae plant family — browse all Convolvulaceae genera and species.
Scammony thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Convolvulus Species
Other Convolvulus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Convolvulus scammonia L., family Convolvulaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 153 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scammony, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Eleftherios Katsillis, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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