Blue Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata
Also listed as Plumbago capensis, Plumbagidium auriculatum
Also known as Cape Plumbago, Cape Leadwort, Leadwort
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Blue plumbago is a vigorous spreading shrub known for its sky-blue flowers that bloom prolifically from spring through fall. It thrives in warm climates and is popular in coastal and tropical gardens.
Why grow it
Blue plumbago offers reliable, long-season flowering in warm regions where many ornamental shrubs flag during heat and drought. Compared to other blue-flowered landscape shrubs, it tolerates poor soil and coastal salt spray better than many alternatives, making it useful for challenging sites. Its dense, spreading habit provides quick screening or informal hedging without the pruning demands of more formal cultivars.
Watch out for
This shrub requires consistent warmth and will drop leaves or fail to flower reliably in cool climates or during cold snaps. It benefits from occasional renewal pruning to maintain shape, as unpruned specimens can become leggy or overgrown. In containers, it dries out quickly in hot weather and may need supplemental feeding during the growing season.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Blue plumbago is a vigorous spreading shrub known for its sky-blue flowers that bloom prolifically from spring through fall. It thrives in warm climates and is popular in coastal and tropical gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Blue Plumbago grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Blue plumbago offers reliable, long-season flowering in warm regions where many ornamental shrubs flag during heat and drought. Compared to other blue-flowered landscape shrubs, it tolerates poor soil and coastal salt spray better than many alternatives, making it useful for challenging sites. Its dense, spreading habit provides quick screening or informal hedging without the pruning demands of more formal cultivars.
Watch out for
This shrub requires consistent warmth and will drop leaves or fail to flower reliably in cool climates or during cold snaps. It benefits from occasional renewal pruning to maintain shape, as unpruned specimens can become leggy or overgrown. In containers, it dries out quickly in hot weather and may need supplemental feeding during the growing season.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
Native Range
South Africa
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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