Plumbago auriculata (Leadwort, Cape Leadwort)


Botanical Information

FamilyPlumbaginaceae
GenusPlumbago
Speciesauriculata
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)2 - 4
Temperature (°F)35 - 40
Height3-6 m
Spread1-3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA free flowering shrub with profuse blue flowers.
LandscapeWorks well as ground cover or en masse.
PropagationPropagate from seed, but will not flower in the first year.
CultivationPlant in full sun and fertile, well drained soils. Prune heavily post flowering which will curb its overgrown habit, promote plant vigour and encourage new growth for flower production the following season.
PestsWhite flies, spider mites and mealy bugs may cause problems on indoor plants.
Notable SpecimensMorikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida, United States of America.
Bark/Stem DescriptionStems are rather weak, requiring support.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are green with an ear-shaped base, growing up to 7.5 cm in length.
Flower DescriptionProduces pale blue flowers freely in terminal clusters.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is a barbed capsule.

Photographs