Bindweed Control

Bindweed is a fast-spreading weed that can smother plants and borders. Learn how to control bindweed, when to treat it and reduce regrowth here.

By Alice Handley

What is Bindweed?

Bindweed is a climbing, perennial weed, widespread over hedges, industrial, amenity & waste ground.

Key Facts:

Common names: Bindweed, Field Bindweed, Hedge Bindweed
Scientific name: Calystegia spp, convolvulus arvensis
The weed spreads mostly by long underground, bindweed roots (rhizomes)
Reproduction from seed also a significant
Small fragments of broken roots will regenerate and spread, so digging up can be a counterproductive exercise and make the problem worse

A herbicide application with a glyphosate based, total weed killer is the best bindweed killer option such as Gallup Home & Garden (non-professional option) or Roundup ProVantage (professional option)
Optimum timing for controlling established plants is when plant flowers (usually June-August)
New growth can be treated repeatedly from 20cm of length, when among desirable plant species in borders
Full strength glyphosate products - meaning 360g/L (Gallup Home & Garden/ Roundup ProActive / Gallup Biograde) should be applied at a rate of 5 L in 200 L water for 1ha (25 ml/L water in hand sprayer).
For carefully protected applications in flower beds etc, consider using a weedwiper (using a 2:1 solution of water & glyphosate), a Dagato Weeder or attach a spray shield / hood to a knapsack.