Plumbago ‘Dark Blue’

Plumbago auriculata ‘Dark Blue’

Characteristics

Culture

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 where Plumbago ‘Dark Blue’ grows best in organically rich, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. May be grown as a rounded shrub or trained with ties on a trellis as a vine. Site in locations protected from strong winds. During the growing season, it does best in consistently moist soils, but established plants are quite tolerant of some drought.  Cut back stems hard in late winter to encourage new growth for the coming season. Growing 4-8’ tall and 8-10’ wide, this Plumbago produces clusters of medium-blue flowers with darker blue stripes Blooms from summer into fall.

For best results, plant in full sun to light shade and provide regular water. One note: Plumbago auriculata ‘Dark Blue’ is frost tender and can die back if faced with freezes. But it sprouts again in the spring, like a Phoenix rising. A quick grower that is pest free, Plumbago ‘Dark Blue’ is a reliable shrub for a variety of landscapes.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plumbago auriculata is 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. Features clusters (terminal racemes) of blue phlox-like flowers that bloom freely throughout the growing season. Flowers are followed by barbed fruit capsules. Oblong to oblanceolate green leaves (to 3” long) have ear-shaped bases, hence the species name.

Genus name comes from the Latin name derived from plumbum meaning lead and ago a termination of many Latin plant names used to indicate a resemblance or a property. Specific epithet refers to the ear-shaped bases of the leaves.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for whiteflies, spider mites and mealy bugs on indoor plants.

Garden Uses

Plumbago ‘Dark Blue’ is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Text