I was mulling ideas in my head for this article and realizing the 4th of July is almost here. Looking out my kitchen window I gazed at my gorgeous blue Plumbago plant. The color blue is not common in flowers, but red and white are quite prolific. So now we have the blue portion of our country’s flag colors…add some white daisies and red roses and you’re all set to celebrate the holiday.
Plumbago auriculata, also known as Plumbago capensis, Cape Plumbago, Sky Flower, or Leadwort is native to South Africa. It will grow comfortably in Zones 8-11 in the U.S. and is commonly found in Texas and Florida. It will flower year round in tropical areas. Here it flowers from May until late fall.
I have had my Plumbago for about 10 years. It has been a great addition to my garden as it is easy to care for and very colorful all summer. It’s planted near a huge rock and a coral miniature rose which compliments the lovely blue color. This year mine is about 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide, but they can grow to 10 feet by 10 feet. I prune it back quite a bit in late winter to keep it sized for my area. They do tend to ramble and would look simply lovely cascading over a wall or fence. Plumbago plants like full sun and will bloom profusely. In shadier areas, they will bloom less. The flowers form on new growth, so the more you keep them lightly shaped and groomed, the more blooms you get. However, they are so free in their rambling they won’t bloom as heavily if fiercely groomed. Butterflies and birds are attracted to them, although I can’t say that I have noticed that a lot in my yard. I have butterflies on other flowers so I will have to watch more carefully. Another added benefit, they are pest and deer resistant.
They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil, slightly acidic. Once established, the plant is quite drought tolerant. Articles say one can plant them in a container and they would be awesome on a big porch or trailing over the side of a deck. You need to give some protection from frost if in a container. Mine is in the ground and it dies back somewhat in winter. This just helps keep the size more manageable as far as I am concerned. You can propagate from seeds, cuttings, or dividing the root ball.
The Plumbago plant is multi-branched. Leaves are about 2 inches long, light to medium green. At the base of each flower cluster are little ears (winged-like leaflets) hence the name auriculata. The flowers are 5 petals, in showy clusters which remind me very much of Phlox. They have sticky hairs that allow children to use them as earrings. Over the years people have used the plant for medicinal remedies. Colors range from white to pale blue to dark blue. The blues are Imperial Blue and Royal Cape. I don’t have a clue the specific name of mine, but it surely is a gorgeous periwinkle blue.
I must admit that when it is so hot and watering such a concern, it is a bit harder to have peak gardening enthusiasm! I am in the lightly maintaining mode, working in the early part of the day. But one can always be thinking of new plants for just that spot, and hope for rain this winter. Maybe a Plumbago plant will be a choice for you. The blue is unique and it is so easy to grow. Plus you will be almost set the 4th of July color scheme.
The Red Bluff Garden Club is a member of Cascade District, California Garden Clubs, Inc. and Pacific Region, National Garden Clubs, Inc.
