Plumbago Imperial Blue

Plumbago imperial 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.

Is Imperial blue plumbago a perennial?

Plumbago is a heat, sun, and drought tolerant tropical or tender perennial that makes a great addition to container gardens or it is often found growing as a groundcover, hedge, tree form, and espaliered on fences in mild winter climates.

Is a plumbago an annual or perennial?

Plumbago auriculata, commonly called cape leadwort or cape plumbago, 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.

How do you grow plumbago Imperial blue?

Plant plumbago anytime of the year. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you cut back plumbago in the fall?

If the plant is blooming from summer through fall, like your plumbago, it's blooming on new growth, and pruning should be done in the early spring to encourage lots of new growth tips.

Does plumbago stay green in winter?

In addition, its 2-inch light-green oblong leaves are evergreen and stay the same color in winter, providing an attractive, year-round frame for its fragrant, phlox-like clusters of 1-inch-diameter, sky-blue flowers.

What happens to plumbago in winter?

Frost kills the top growth on plumbago plants, but within its hardiness zones the roots generally survive through the winter. If frost kills a plumbago shrub, wait until late winter or spring before pruning the dead plant material. After the last frost, prune plumbago back to the healthy growth.

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.

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.

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.

Are plumbago roots invasive?

To winter over in cooler climates, provide a light winter mulch. Plant it in rocky areas in full sun. Space plants 10 to 16 inches apart when you plant. The plant has an aggressive root system and can spread freely, however is not considered invasive.

What can I plant next to plumbago?

Complement your Plumbago with these varieties:

Allamanda. Blue and yellow are a classic color combo.
Bulbine. Bulbine is a no-fuss, sun-loving succulent that thrives in the same conditions as plumbago. ...
Cape Honeysuckle. Make your yard a magnet to butterflies by growing plumbago with cape honeysuckle!
Firebush.

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 far apart should you plant plumbago?

Allow four to six feet between plants in a mass planting so that the natural cascading, fountain shape will develop. Plumbago also looks attractive as a specimen if located in a low ground cover. The variety 'Alba' has white flowers. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or division.

Is plumbago frost hardy?

It is quite hardy, tolerates some frost and endures dry conditions once established. Prune back after each flowering to encourage a new flush of foliage and flowers. This bushy Australian native shrub has masses of small, mauve flowers along the stems for most of the year.

Is plumbago a shade tolerant?

Plumbago (also commonly known as Leadwort) is an easy to grow groundcover well suited for average, medium and well-drained soils. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is suited for full sun or part shade, but will perform best with afternoon shade in hot climates.