Plumbago Flower

Plumbago flower

Plumbago auriculata irritates skin, irritates eyes, is harmful if ingested, causes an upset stomach and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its fruit, bark, pollen, seeds, roots, seed capsules, foliage and sap are toxic.

Is plumbago an annual or perennial?

Plumbago auriculata, commonly called cape leadwort or cape plumbago, Native to South Africa. It is a weak-stemmed perennial evergreen shrub that grows 6-7' tall and 8-10' wide in its native habitat.

Does plumbago bloom all year?

Plumbago shrubs need plenty of room. It will grow as an evergreen shrub and makes an excellent foundation plant. It is beautiful when planted over a stone or wood retaining wall, allowing its branches to cascade over in a waterfall of foliage and unusual blue flowers—and it will bloom all year long.

Does plumbago need full sun?

Planting and Care It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year.

How long do plumbago flowers last?

Cape Plumbago grows to a height of 3.0m, with a spread of 1.5m. It is fast growing, taking six months to one year to reach its mature size. Its flowers bloom from May to October.

Should you cut back plumbago?

Plumbago only requires pruning to control its size. Flowering is dependable without pruning and tends to cycle; the blooms appear less often in the hot, rainy summer, or cold winter. The 30% rule is an excellent place to start pruning; remove by hand only the branched needed to keep the plant inbounds.

How do you keep plumbago blooming?

For the best growth and an abundant blooming, add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming.

Does plumbago spread?

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly called plumbago or leadwort, is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover.

Does plumbago lose its leaves in winter?

Plumbago will typically bloom spring through fall but can often bloom through mild winters. In colder winter seasons, plants will drop their leaves or even die down to the ground, but re-emerge from the roots the following spring.

How do I winterize my plumbago?

The ideal overwintering conditions are in greenhouses with temperatures from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep a plant going over the winter, whether you have a greenhouse or not, be very careful with watering. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings, then give it a good soak.

What time of year does plumbago bloom?

The flowers start in June and July and carry on until autumn if you keep feeding and potting them on. These are greedy plants which relish the attention you give them. The flowers are in dense terminal clusters or corymbs of 10 to 15 individual tubed sky blue or pure white flowers.

Does plumbago multiply?

Plumbago propagation through cuttings Cuttings are a great way to multiply your plumbago. The advantage of cuttings is that you get the exact same type of plant as the mother plant. There's no change in genetic material, the new plant is an exact clone. Perfect to keep that beautiful blooming!

Can you keep plumbago short?

It seems your particular shrub didn't read the article (UF/EDAS Publication #FPS487). When our winter temperatures drop to the mid-20s, this plant typically dies back to the ground, then quickly grows back in spring. You can safely trim plumbago's excessive growth at any time of the year.

What colors does plumbago come in?

Depending on the species, plumbago flower colors range from blue to red to white, with green leaves that turn red when cold temperatures arrive. They typically grow in low, clumping clusters that spread through rhizomes to form an ornamental ground cover.

What do I plant in front of plumbago?

Complement your Plumbago with these varieties:

• Allamanda. Blue and yellow are a classic color combo.
• Bulbine. Bulbine is a no-fuss, sun-loving succulent that thrives in the same conditions as plumbago. ...
• Cape Honeysuckle. Make your yard a magnet to butterflies by growing plumbago with cape honeysuckle!
• Firebush.

What happens to plumbago in winter?

Frost kills the top growth on plumbago plants, but within its hardiness zones the roots generally survive through the winter. If frost kills a plumbago shrub, wait until late winter or spring before pruning the dead plant material. After the last frost, prune plumbago back to the healthy growth.

Why are plumbago flowers sticky?

There are sticky, gland tipped hairs on the flower calyx. The seed capsule retains the stickiness which presumably helps disperse the seed by attaching to animals. The top of the capsule splits opens and drops the seed out. Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds.

Will plumbago survive a hard freeze?

A: The tops could burn during freezing temperatures, but the roots should be OK with moist soil and a blanket of mulch. If you wish to protect the tops, cover with a blanket.

Does plumbago have invasive roots?

To winter over in cooler climates, provide a light winter mulch. Plant it in rocky areas in full sun. Space plants 10 to 16 inches apart when you plant. The plant has an aggressive root system and can spread freely, however is not considered invasive.

Does plumbago stay green all year?

Planting Plumbago Ground Cover Or Beds In areas where there is no severe freezing temperatures or frost, the plant remains evergreen throughout the year.

13 Plumbago flower Images