Plumbago
- Phonetic Spelling
- plum-BAY-go
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Plumbago is a genus of 24 species of flowering, tropical, shrubs or vines and includes both woody and perennial species. It is a member of the leadwort family and native to the tropics and warm, temperate climates worldwide. Some species can, however, be grown in the southern part of the United States. The genus name is compounded from Latin words plumbum ("lead") and agere ("to resemble"). The name may allude to the lead-like blue flowers of some species, the leaden blue stain caused by the sap, or the belief that it could cure lead poisoning.
Depending on the species, Plumbago plants can range in size from 1.5 to 6 feet tall and produce long-lasting blooms in white, blue, purple, red, or pink.
Species in this genus can be grown as houseplants, woody or herbaceous perennials, and groundcovers. When grown outside, these plants prefer organically rich, fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Most species will tolerate some drought. If the climate is too cool, the plants can be grown in pots and taken in as houseplants to overwinter in a sunny spot.
The plants can spread through underground stems and often form mats in the landscape. Also, the stems can be cut back in late winter to encourage new growth.
Plumbago species can cause contact dermatitis, so it is best to wear gloves when handling the plant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:
Whiteflies, mealy bugs, and spider mites can be problems for plants grown as houseplants.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, P. auriculata
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, P. auriculata
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Plumbago
- Family:
- Plumbaginaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Tropics & Subtropics
- Distribution:
- Primarily grown in the southern hemisphere as well as Texas, California, and Arizona in the United States. Introduced into Germany and Portugal.
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Spreading
- Maintenance:
- 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:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Single-seeded capsule enclosed by the calyx.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Five-parted flowers with spreading lobes appear in the late spring or early summer. Tubular corolla. The calyx is covered with glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance.
-
-
Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Simple, green, sometimes hairy, leaves with smooth margins can range from 1/4 to 4 inches long with a tapered base. Can turn red in the fall.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
