Scammony: A Mediterranean Climber with Ancient Roots
Meet scammony (Convolvulus scammonia), a climbing vine that’s been making its mark in gardens—and medicine cabinets—for thousands of years. This member of the morning glory family brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to the right garden setting, though it’s definitely not your typical landscape plant.
What Is Scammony?
Scammony is a perennial climbing vine native to the eastern Mediterranean region, including Greece, Turkey, Syria, and surrounding areas. While it shares the classic funnel-shaped white flowers and heart-shaped leaves of its morning glory cousins, this plant has earned its reputation more for its historical medicinal uses than its ornamental appeal.
In its native habitat, you’ll find scammony scrambling over rocky hillsides and poor soils where few other plants dare to venture. It’s a tough customer that’s adapted to harsh, dry conditions and nutrient-poor ground.
The Good, The Bad, and The Climbing
Let’s be honest—scammony isn’t going to win any beauty contests in your garden. Here’s what you’re getting into:
The Appeal:
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Attracts bees and other pollinators with its white flowers
- Interesting historical significance
- Low-maintenance once settled in
The Challenges:
- Can be aggressive and spread quickly in favorable conditions
- Not particularly showy compared to other flowering vines
- May require sturdy support structures
- Not native to North America
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re determined to grow scammony, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate: Best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-10, where it can handle the Mediterranean-style climate it craves.
Sunlight: Full sun is essential. This plant wants at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Here’s where scammony shines—it actually prefers poor, well-draining sandy or rocky soils. Rich, fertile ground might make it too aggressive.
Water: Once established, it’s quite drought-tolerant. In fact, overwatering is more likely to cause problems than underwatering.
Support: As a climbing vine, it’ll need something to scramble up—think trellises, arbors, or even rocky walls.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Ensure excellent drainage—soggy roots spell doom for this Mediterranean native
- Water regularly during the first growing season, then back off significantly
- Provide sturdy support structures early in the plant’s development
- Monitor for aggressive spreading, especially in favorable conditions
- Minimal fertilization needed—rich soil may encourage excessive growth
A Word About Alternatives
Since scammony isn’t native to North America, you might want to consider some beautiful native climbing alternatives that offer similar benefits:
- American groundnut (Apios americana) for eastern gardens
- Wild ginger vine (Aristolochia serpentaria) for unique flowers
- Native honeysuckles like coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) for white flowers and wildlife value
The Bottom Line
Scammony is a plant for gardeners who appreciate historical significance and don’t mind a somewhat aggressive climber. It’s perfect for challenging spots with poor soil and harsh conditions where other vines might struggle. However, given its non-native status and potential for aggressive growth, most gardeners would be better served by choosing native climbing alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
If you do decide to grow scammony, treat it with respect—and maybe a bit of caution. This ancient vine has survived thousands of years for good reason, and it’s not about to give up that tenacious spirit in your garden.
