Cape Plumbago

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Cape plumbago

Plant Description: Plumbago grows fast and has the potential to reach 6-10 feet tall and wide, although these plants are typically smaller in North Florida landscapes.

Is 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.

Is royal cape plumbago perennial?

Royal Cape Plumbago is a multi-stemmed annual with a shapely form and gracefully arching foliage.

Is cape plumbago poisonous to dogs?

This description claims Plumbago auriculta is toxic to animals but on the ASPCA website and it says "Plumbago Larpentiae - Scientific Name: Ceratostigma larpentiae- Family: Plumbaginaceae- Toxicity: Non-Toxic to Cats, Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Horses - Toxic Principles: Non-toxic.

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.

Where should I plant my plumbago?

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.

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.

Does plumbago like sun or shade?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How fast does Cape plumbago grow?

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.

How cold tolerant is plumbago?

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.

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.

Does plumbago spread?

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly called plumbago or leadwort, is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover.

Does plumbago bloom all summer?

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.

Does plumbago need a lot of water?

Water Requirements Depending on the weather, a newly planted plumbago should be watered once or twice weekly while the roots are becoming established in the landscape. Thereafter, watering once every week or two is sufficient.

How long does plumbago live?

A low maintenance, high-reward choice that can live for 40 years or more, here are some other desirable traits of the 'Dark Blue' Plumbago Plant: It has two-inch green leaves and masses of attractive, five-petaled blue flowers, which bloom year-round in warm climates.