How to Get Rid of Bindweed

Bindweed is one of the most frustrating weeds in UK gardens. Its deep roots and ability to regrow from tiny fragments make it incredibly persistent. Here is how to fight back.

Know your enemy

There are two types of bindweed in the UK:

• Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium): Large white trumpet flowers, thick stems, can climb several metres.
• Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis): Smaller pink or white flowers, thinner stems, spreads along the ground as well as climbing.

Both have deep, brittle roots that can extend several metres underground. Any piece of root left in the soil will regrow.

Method 1: Persistent digging

In theory, you can exhaust bindweed by repeatedly removing all top growth before it has a chance to replenish its roots. In practice, this takes years of dedication.

1. Dig out as much root as possible when you first tackle the problem.
2. Check the area weekly and remove any regrowth immediately.
3. Do not let it flower or set seed.
4. Continue for at least two growing seasons.

This works best in open ground where you can dig freely. In established borders, it is harder to remove roots without disturbing other plants.

Method 2: Weedkiller

Glyphosate-based weedkillers (like Roundup) are effective but need careful application. The chemical is absorbed through the leaves and travels down to the roots.

• Apply when bindweed is growing actively, ideally when flowering.
• Use a gel formulation or paint the weedkiller onto leaves to avoid harming other plants.
• Alternatively, unwind the bindweed from plants and lay it on the ground or push it into a plastic bag before spraying.
• Wait 2-3 weeks for the weedkiller to work before removing dead growth.
• Repeat applications are usually needed – the roots are deep and may not all be killed first time.

Method 3: Smother with mulch

Covering the ground with a thick layer of mulch or landscape fabric can weaken bindweed by depriving it of light. This works best combined with other methods.

• Remove as much bindweed as possible first.
• Cover with heavy-duty landscape fabric or thick cardboard.
• Top with a deep layer of bark mulch.
• Check regularly and remove any shoots that push through.

Bindweed is persistent and may take 2-3 years to exhaust under mulch.

What does not work

• Rotavating: Chops the roots into pieces, each of which regrows. Makes the problem worse.
• Pulling without digging: The roots snap and regrow.
• Ignoring it: Bindweed spreads rapidly and smothers other plants.

Living with bindweed

Complete eradication is difficult. A more realistic goal is to keep it under control. Regular attention – removing shoots as soon as they appear – prevents it from taking over, even if you never eliminate it entirely.