Plumbago is a beautiful, easy-growing, deer-resistant, disease-free shrub that turns drought-tolerant with maturity.
The Plumbago genus includes a dozen or more species, two of which are more commonly found in Florida: Plumbago auriculata and Plumbago zeylanica/ P. scandens.
Plumbago auriculata or blue plumbago belongs to South Africa, it has a low-invasion risk. It also goes with the name plumbago capensis, sky flower, Cape plumbago, or leadwort. This semi-woody, fast-growing, perennial shrub offers phlox-like blue blooms year-round. The beautiful flowers attract butterflies.
Family: Plumbaginaceae
Common Name: Leadwort plumbago
How to Grow Plumbago
Propagation
- Propagate Leadwort by cuttings of ripe wood in spring or fall.
- From root division of old plants
- Through seeds
You can easily grow these herbaceous plants from semi-ripe ‘wood’ 4-inch cuttings in the summer. Dip the ends of cuttings in rooting hormone to boost root development. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil in a shaded area, water lightly, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Roots will emerge in just 3-4 weeks. After that, transplant the cuttings into large containers filled with a well-draining potting mix with a good amount of organic matter and fertilize them with all-purpose plant food.
Species of the Plumbago Plant
- Plumbago capensis, P. auriculata, is a popular species with deep sky-blue blooms and 2-inch green leaves.
- Imperial Blue Plumbago: Large clusters of deep sky-blue blooms.
- Plumbago indica coccinea: Blooms in deep coral or carmine shade and large leaves.
Growing Leadwort Groundcover or Beds
Leadwort remains evergreen across the year in areas where there is no frost or freezing temperatures. Perennial blue plumbago grows in the South in USDA Zones 8-11, where it is grown as an outdoor plant in partial shade.
While in the north, it is planted near sunny windows or cool greenhouses during winter and in container gardens in summer. The clusters of eye-catching, cool pale blue blooms look amazing on the patio or porch throughout the spring, late summer, and fall months. It grows well when:
- In foundation planting
- Grown in borders or as a hedge
- Planted in tubs or large containers
- Used on decks and patio
- As a groundcover shrub for color beds
Ideal Growing Conditions for Plumbago
Location
Plant as a groundcover or in beds during early fall or spring in areas with partial sunlight. It blooms profusely in the hot summer sun.
Soil
Use well-draining soil blended with organic matter with 1/3 of each sand, loam, and peat moss.
Water
Water thoroughly until the soil becomes moist, though it does not need too much watering. Allow the soil to dry before the next watering. This drought-tolerant plant requires watering not more than twice a week in warm summer months. In fall and cooler months, reduce watering to once per week.
Temperature and Humidity
It prefers moderate cool temperatures in winter, 50-65 F. Leadwort does well in above-average humidity.
Plumbago Care
Fertilizer
Feed the plant frequently, and apply a balanced fertilizer once a month. Follow the instructions on the label. Keep in mind that plants use lots of energy while producing blooms.
Pruning
Prune the Leadwort on hedges to train the shape as they become scrawny and scratchy. In the greenhouse and indoors, cut them back to a rational size. Start pruning before spring and summer and in early fall for winter flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Once mature, Leadwort plants have no threat of pests and diseases.
Can Leadwort Grow on a Trellis?
Leadwort on a trellis can be a colorful, interesting addition to your deck or patio. You can grow them in several ways, but long shoots look magnificent on a trellis.
