Plumbago Blue

Plumbago blue

2. Hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides): Hardy plumbago, also known as blue leadwort, is a wiry, rhizomatous shrub native to China that grows quickly and is a popular ground cover. This plant loves full sun (but can handle partial sun), and sprouts deep blue cobalt flowers.

Does blue plumbago come back every year?

This perennial shrub blooms all year and only ceases flowering during winters that are extremely cold within its growing range of USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. In USDA zone 8, where freezes and frosts are more likely, blue plumbago dies to the ground, but resprouts when the weather warms in spring.

Is blue plumbago invasive?

As a non-native species that is well adapted and not invasive in our gardens, blue plumbago adds year round interest. The leaves will turn a deep red in the fall and even in winter this species will catch your eye with dormant dried stems and clusters of seed heads that mark where the plant will return in late spring.

Is Plumbago toxic?

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.

Are plumbago low maintenance?

We always recommend low-maintenance plants, and Plumbago fits the bill. Drought and heat resistant, they don't require special watering and do well in full sun. They do need some occasional pruning, but don't over-do it, or you'll sacrifice blooms later.

Where should I plant my plumbago?

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 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.

Will blue plumbago survive a freeze?

Blue Plumbago, Plumbago auriculata, typically freezes to the ground in this area and returns in the spring. The plant should live for many years. However, it tends to get sparse and leggy in areas where it does not freeze back to the ground each winter.

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.

Are plumbago toxic to dogs?

Dried specimen of Plumbago auriculata: flower, leaves and stem. The plant in its natural form was a putative cause of vesicular lesions in a dog following likely contact.

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.

Do hummingbirds like blue plumbago?

Note: Plumbago attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, but is not intended for either human or animal consumption.

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.

Is plumbago a good plant?

Hardy Plumbago is an exceptional groundcover that is especially useful in shady areas. It's an excellent choice for planting under large shrubs and trees where grass is sparse, and it also grows in part sun and full sun, making it a popular choice to repeat throughout the garden.

How big does a blue plumbago get?

Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue' (Blue Cape Plumbago) - An upright climbing evergreen shrub that reaches 6-8 feet tall with long whip like branches that arch outward holding 2 inch long oblong yellow green leaves that darken with age.

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 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 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.

How tall does plumbago get?

A moderate grower, the plant can reach up to 5 ft. tall and can spread up to 8 ft. wide. This plumbago plant is great for controlling erosion, hence typically used as a groundcover.

How cold can blue plumbago tolerate?

Plumbago zeylanica is cold-tolerant down to ten degrees. It is drought-tolerant once established though performs best with regular watering and sunshine. This plant reaches 3- to 4-feet tall. Plumbago zeylanica plant is a butterfly magnet, blooming constantly from spring to fall.

10 Plumbago blue Images