Cape Leadwort Plumbago auriculata
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Plumbago capensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- plum-BAY-go aw-rik-yoo-LAY-tah
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Cape plumbago can be grown as an annual, or in a container as a perennial, that is brought indoors and placed in a bright sunny room for the colder months. Water container plants sparingly in the winter. If treating as a perennial, cut back in late winter to encourage new growth for the upcoming season. It can also be cut back in the winter and stored in a cool, dark environment.
The white, blue or pink flowers are in a terminal cluster, tubular, 5-parted with spreading lobes. In the right environment, it will flower year-round.
Although technically a shrub, with a little assistance it can be trained to perform like a vine. Its arching branches will need tying. If the plant becomes leggy, it can be cut back to control. It has a suckering habit.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can cause contact dermatitis so wear gloves when handling the plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
White flowers - 'Imperial Blue'
Blue flower, also called Blue Cape Plumbago
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba', 'Imperial Blue'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alba'
White flowers - 'Imperial Blue'
Blue flower, also called Blue Cape Plumbago
- 'Alba'
- 'Alba', 'Imperial Blue'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Plumbago
- Species:
- auriculata
- Family:
- Plumbaginaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mozambique to South Africa
- Climbing Method:
- Scrambler
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Mounding
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
-
-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- Barbed, sticky fruit capsules
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- A cluster of soft blue, pinkish, or white phlox-like flowers on new growth from summer to fall
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblanceolate
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 2 in. pale green leaves; alternate, simple, not toothed
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Salt
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
