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Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'
Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as Plumbago or Cape Leadwort, is a fast-growing, semi-woody perennial prized for its profusion of sky-blue flowers. Originally from South Africa, this tropical plant thrives in Texas landscapes, particularly in warmer regions where it can grow as a sprawling shrub or a cascading groundcover. It is well-suited for mass plantings, containers, or training along trellises, where its trailing habit and nearly year-round blooms provide continuous color.
Plumbago prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though it may produce fewer flowers with less light. It thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils and is notably drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens. While it does not tolerate prolonged wet conditions, it can recover quickly from brief dry spells. This plant is also non-toxic to pets and humans, and while deer may occasionally browse the foliage, it is generally not their preferred choice.
With a mature height of 3 to 4 feet and a spread of 4 to 5 feet, Plumbago is best planted 3 to 4 feet apart when used in hedges or mass plantings. It can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape or left to sprawl naturally. The delicate blue flowers bloom prolifically from spring through fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
There is a plant commonly called "Dwarf Plumbago" (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides), but it is not related to Plumbago auriculata despite the similar name. Additionally, while blue is the most common flower color, there is a less frequently seen white-flowering cultivar, which may not be easily sourced for those wanting a different look in the landscape.
In areas where freezing temperatures occur, Plumbago may die back to the ground in winter but will typically return in spring once warmer weather arrives. In colder climates, applying mulch around the base can provide some insulation, while container-grown plants can be moved indoors for winter protection.
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Long Blooming |
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Drought Tolerant |
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Pollinator Plant |
Flower Color:Blue
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Height:3-4 Feet
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Spread:4-5 Feet
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Spacing:3-4 ft
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Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips for Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'
Three Feet Tall by Five Feet Wide
USDA Hardiness Zone 8b
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| PLB-BLU-01 |
#001 PLUMBAGO, DARK BLUE |
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| PLB-BLU-05 |
#005 PLUMBAGO, DARK BLUE |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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