Plumbago auriculata - Cape Leadwort

An upright climbing shrub that will form a weeping mound if left on its own, but with a trellis or wall it will reach ten feet; stunning pale blue flower clusters bloom nearly year round; may die back to the ground in zone 8; an excellent container plant

Height: 3 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: (annual).

Ornamental features

Cape Plumbago features showy clusters of sky blue star-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from early spring to late fall. Its oval leaves emerge light green in spring, turning dark green in color the rest of the year.

Landscape

Cape Plumbago is a multi-stemmed annual with a shapely form and gracefully arching foliage. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Hedges/Screening, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Cape Plumbago will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 3 feet apart. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.