A perennial shrub in warm climates grown as a patio plant in colder zones. Beautiful trusses of light blue flowers.
Pronunciation
(plum-BA-go)(au-ri-kew-LA-to)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennial Tender
Hardiness Zone
8-11
Sunlight
full
Moisture
average
Soil & Site
well drained, intolerant of poorly drained soils
Growing Media
intolerant of poorly drained growing medias
Flowers
trusses of light blue flowers
Leaves
green
Dimensions
5 ft. tall, 6 to 8 ft. wide, sprawling vine-like shrub
Maintenance
prune to maintain size and shape
Propagation
cuttings
Misc Facts
Plumbago is derived from plumbum meaning lead - referring to it being a supposed cure for lead poisoning. Auriculata means ear shaped and refers to the leaf base.
Author's Notes
At the garden center (Prospect Hill, New Berlin Wisconsin USA) they are sold as tropicals. Of all the plants I have seen the Plumbagos have some of the best blue flowers.