Bindweed. Photograph copyright Dorling Kindersley - Calystegia sepium Calystegia sepium (bellbind) is a strong twining climber, with shallow, fleshy underground stems. Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed) is weaker in appearance than bellbind, but also spreads rapidly through the soil. Both weeds can be imported into the garden among plant roots, soil or manure.
Cultural control
These weeds are difficult to eradicate by cultural methods as their roots can extend down up to 5m (15ft) or more. By persistent digging and hoeing it is possible to eradicate these weeds in a couple of years, although new colonies can establish from seed or from roots on neighbouring land. Because of this, and wherever feasible, it can pay to insert vertical solid barriers into the soil along fences and other boundaries.
Digging
Fork out to remove as much of the roots when carrying out any routine autumn and winter digging. In spring as new growth appears, dig out new shoots.
Hoeing
In areas where it is not possible to dig without disturbing plant roots, sever the weed at ground level with a hoe. This will need to be repeated throughout the growing season as new growth reappears.
Chemical control
Bindweed in flower. Photograph copyright Dorling Kindersley - Convolvulus arvensis Glyphosate is a non-selective total weedkiller applied to the foliage, where it is translocated throughout the weed. Being non selective it is essential to avoid spray drift onto neighbouring plants. It is important to have good leaf coverage so that as much chemical is absorbed as possible. It is usually more effective when the weed has reached the flowering stage but can be effective well into the autumn. Early spring applications are generally less successful. Spraying in the early evening is more effective than spraying during the day. Where the weed has started to twine into plants it is possible to carefully untwine the stems and lay them on bare ground before spraying the foliage.
Dichlobenil, the active ingredient found in Casoron G4 Weed Barrier, is a soil-acting residual weedkiller, applied in spring which will check weed growth among some established woody plants (check label for details). It is also used where bindweed is growing through paths and drives.
In lawns
Both weeds are very difficult to kill when growing in the lawn. Regular mowing will help keep it under control and eventually weaken the plants.
