It can cause your skin to develop rashes and even blister. Use extreme caution when working with the plumbago plant. A plumbago is a perennial, but it is a tender perennial, wich means it is not as cold hardy as other perennials. To stop plumbago from spreading too much, prune the plant hard in late winter or early spring. A mix of soil mix and garden soil is needed. Thereafter, watering once every week or two is. The plant is drought-tolerant but still needs a humid grow space. Close the sprayer up and shake it well to combine all of the ingredients. The Imperial Blue plumbago grows as ground cover for full sun, flowering hedgerows, or an upright shrub. It prefers well-drained, dry or slightly moist soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Step 3 - Cut growth between 1" and 4" from the ground. Although Plumbagos seldom exceed heights of 5 feet, ladders may sometimes be required for safe pruning of out-of-reach branches. ; 2011, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Julys Plant of the Month: Imperial Blue Plumbago. Because plumbago is a versatile shrub, there are many ways to incorporate its beautiful blue flowers and light green foliage in a landscape. The blue and white flowers measure between 1 and 3 (2.5 7.5 cm). Two additional bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these easy-growing shrubs also tolerate drought. Depending on the weather, a newly planted plumbago should be watered once or twice weekly while the roots are becoming established in the landscape. Imperial Blue Plumbago: The cultivar Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue has deep sky-blue flower clusters that bloom throughout summer until fall. An edging in the sunny border, spanning the space between ornamental plantings and lawn. White flies will suck the sap from the foliage of your plant. However, if you live in other planting zones, you must care for your plumbago plant, or it wont make it over the winter months. Cuttings are pieces of the plant that are cut off and then planted, and they will grow into new plants. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming. To deadhead your tuberous begonias, pinch the faded bloom from the stem with your thumb and fingers, squeezing the stem just behind the bloom. Position each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud or lateral branch, and make each cut at an angle fewer than 45 degrees. If the scrambling shrub gets anything less than six hours of light, you may notice that there is more foliage than flowers. Water it regularly, fertilize it each spring and it will grow two to three feet (61-91 cm.) They have the potential to grow wide as well, but typically don't. Top care tip for fertilizing plumbago plants: Stop fertilizing plumbago plants as soon as blooming finishes. Place your finger into the soil next to your plant. Family Plumbaginaceae, Height 3to6feet (1to2 meters) Don't cut back the flower stems in autumn but let them remain intact over winter, to protect the rootball and developing shoots from frost. Use a good potting medium with a neutral pH and make sure the container leaves plenty of room for your shrub to grow. The beautiful flowers grow on the end of thin stems. The plumbago plant is a versatile one that can be used in many diferent ways. When you put the plant away, it will fall dormant. Slice each removed branch into 3- to 5-inch-long sections with the pruning shears or loppers. Lets look in more detail at how to grow blue plumbago or white plumbago in your garden landscape. This plant is knon for its versatility and can be used in a variety of settings. That angle minimizes the wound's surface area while ensuring moisture will run off the wound. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "When planting plumbago, space the plants 15 to 18 inches apart. If being raised outdoors, it will need full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Plumbago can tolerate drought well, but too much water can caue this shrub to wilt and look near death, especially if drainage is poor. Theyre light and covered with small hooks and will stick to your clothing. Discovering the Beauty of Magnolia: A Gardeners Guide, Growing Kale in Pots: An Easy Guide for Gardening Fans, Savoring Sweetness: Growing Sun Sugar Tomatoes, Caring for Your Blue Candle Cactus: A Gardeners Guide, Do Deer Eat Comfrey: A Gardening Fans Guide, 27 Chocolate Scented Daisies Gardening Facts. So, it can withstand some brief periods of dry soil as long as you drench the ground occasionally. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Plumbago should be deadheaded during the growing season to promote new growth and maintain its health and appearance. Place all of the trimmed portions into the trash or place them in a compost pile to decompose. In temperate climates, winter is a dormant period. Oval to obovate, shiny, medium green leaves (to 2" long) turn bronze-red in autumn. Why do plumbago leaves turn yellow? Depending on the cultivar, Plumbago auriculata flowers come in shades of blue, purple and white. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How Do You Keep Plumbago Blooming? If you desire for your plumbago to be a shrub, youll need to prune heavily and frequently to train it. Plumbago plants die back after a freeze, but they are quick to recover in the spring beause they grow back from the roots. It has dark green leaves and produces blue, lavender, or white flowers. The three numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. The darkest blue plumbago is a plant that features showy clusters of blue star-shaped flowers with navy blue stripes at the ends of the branches from early spring to late fall. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Cape plumbago grows quickly, reaching its full size in six months to one year. A type of milkweed, butterfly weed is generally planted in late spring after the soil is warm. However, sometimes the climbing vines can grow taller. Well, if youre in zone 7 or 8, youre in luck. PESTS AND DISEASES Plumbago has no serious disease or insect problems. All Rights Reserved. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How Far Apart Should You Plant Plumbago? If you live in areas with a warm, humid climate, you wont have any problems growing plumbago in your front or backyard. Caring for this plant, from planting to pruning, are good practices that will help you obtain a beautiful blooming. Bees are also often attracted to the nectar. Plumbago plants are sprawling shrubs with branches that resemble vines. Remove the plant's spent, or old, flowers throughout the year. Plumbago is a shrub that grows to be approximately 9 feet wide and 9 feet tall. The most common plumbago cultivar is the blue plumbago with pale blue, five-petaled flowers. Sterilize the blades of your pruning tools both before and after pruning to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Blue plumbago has simple, alternately-arranged, oblong obovate (spoon-shaped) shiny green leaves. Name Plumbago auriculata Place the plant in the hole and fill it back up with quality, well-draining soil (if possible). Delicious Rhubarb Jam: A Gardeners Guide. Can grow up to 6 foot tall and wide. The plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), also known as skyflower, leadwort and cape plumbago, produces phloxlike clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of blue and white. They grow back in spring, with the blooming. That process is called deadheading. Place the branch pieces on a compost pile or in a trash bin. You should stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Cut off each broken branch at least 1 inch below the break, positioning the cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud or lateral branch. Waterfall Garden Features - Tips For Creating Pond Waterfalls, Garden Stone Walls - How To Build A Stone Wall For Your Garden, Managing Dried Out Phlox Plants: Why Is My Phlox Yellow And Dry, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, 3 Common Gardening Mistakes That Harm The Environment, White Rust Disease Controlling White Rust Fungus In The Garden, Planting Shasta Daisies The Growing And Care Of Shasta Daisy, Growing Oriental Poppies: Tips On How To Grow Oriental Poppy, Growing Morning Glories: How To Grow Morning Glory Flowers, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Cape plumbago grows quickly, reaching its full size in six months to one year. It was fist described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, and the name was later changed to Plumbago zeylanica in 1771. The most common form of propagation is via cuttings. If growing your plumbago plant in a container, it should be repotted every third year. Discard the removed, spent flowers on a compost pile or in a trash bin. This will encourage new growth and more flowers. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. It thrives in our summer heat and humidity and is a profuse bloomer. When deciding where to grow a plumbago plant, remember that it needs plenty of room to spread. Plumbago plants thrive in high humidity. Deadheading encourages additional flowering and tidies the look of the coneflower plant. Make the deadhead cut. Plumbago is a very pliable plant and can easily be shaped to fit any desired space or design. All Rights Reserved. Cover with a plastic bag and place in a warm, shaded area. For the rest of us, we can only envy the beauty and ease of care our gardening neighbors to the south enjoy in owning a plumbago plant. If spring gets too busy, and you miss your window, you can repot the plant in the fall as its becoming dormant. The only pests you should be aware of are whiteflies and the larvae of Cassius blue butterflies. Blooms best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade (will flower less in shade though) Regular pruning will produce a profusion of flowers. Other common names for Plumbago auriculata include skyflower, cape leadwort, and cape plumbago. Spritz the pot with water on a consistent basis. The tops of the plants may be damaged by the cold, and the roots may also be damaged if the soil is too dry. The addition of organic material not only adds nutrients to the ground but retains moisture and makes the soil more acidicideal for growing cape plumbago in the ground. Individual flowers have five petals, and they grow in beautiful clusters. When to Prune It is advised to plant your plumbago in good flower plant soil mix. In areas were the winters are not too severe, plumbago can be overwintered indoors. Discard the pruned growth. It would be best if you also trimmed back dead branches to the base. Regular pruning can encourage prolific blooming throughout the summer to fill your garden with colorful flowers. Although blue plumbago is a relatively easy plant to care for, there are a few issues that can cause the foliage to wilt, turn brown, and die. Love Plumbago but no garden to set it loose? They grow back in spring, with the blooming. However, most people enjoy having butterflies around their home, so you might choose to let them be. Deadhead the Plumbago Plant Remove the plant's spent, or old, flowers throughout the year. Pruning also encourages new growth and more flowers. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. To keep plumbago blooming, you can add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Plumbago thrives in the South African heat and in the United States it is found growing year-round in the southernmost parts of Texas and Florida. Arizona Cooperative Extension; Learning About Herbicides; Jeff Schalau; November 2006, Ohio State University Extension; Controlling Undesirable Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in Your Woodland; Randall B. Heiligmann. Where freezing isnt too harsh (light frost), plumbago will lose its leaves. Plumbago doesnt need to be fertilized regularly. Use pruning shears to cut through branches with a diameter of 1/4 inch or less, and use loppers on larger branches. Position each cut 1/4 inch above the second to fourth leaf located below the spent flower cluster. Freezing temperatures or a harsh frost will kill plumbago plants. Slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, clay, sand, or loam where to grow plumbago in your zone is really a matter of where to dig the hole! Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a shrubby, evergreen plant that is native to South Africa. No, plumbago does not need a trellis. If you place it next to a footpath, be ready to spend your time picking seeds from your clothes! Today, modern research hasnt yet been carried out to prove or disprove the claim, so dont rely on it consult a physician instead! ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "There is conflicting information available about whether or not plumbago is poisonous to dogs. It should take about four weeks for roots to appear. Be sure to cut at an angle because this will give a greater surface area for sprouting a new root system. RECOMMENDED USE IN THE LANDSCAPE Use the knuckle test when unsure if your plant needs more water. The larvae of the Cassius blue butterfly arent a typical pest. It used to have the scientific name Plumbago capensis. This plant is knon for its versatility and can be used in a variety of settings. Soak the blades for five minutes in a solution of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water. Alternatively, you can spray a neem oil solution on all the foliage to kill whitefly. Once established, it is fairly drought . It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. Asked By : James Eubanks. Mimosa Tree vs Powderpuff Tree: Which Is Best for Gardening Fans? Plumbago auriculata (cape leadwort or cape plumbago) is a toxic plant. Annual pruning is eventually possible at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring, proceed lightly in order to stimulate the blooming and preserve the shape. Yes, plumbago can make a good hedge. If you live in planting zones nine through 11, you dont need to worry about overwintering. Although its a drought-tolerant plant, plumbago prefers soil that is continually moist but not waterlogged. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images, Tropical Shrubs; Horace Clay, et al. In fact, you can fertilize the plant one time in the spring, and it shouldnt need it again for the rest of the grow season. Some good companion plants for plumbago include hibiscus, snowbush, silver buttonwood, Panama rose, Nora Grant ixora, bush allamanda, and gold mound. Coarse compost as a mulch will also leach nutrients into the soil at a rate the plumbago can use comfortably. Hardy kiwi key facts Botanical name , Clematis cirrhosa, or Early virgin's-bower, is a clematis with fragrant winter flowers. Plumbago auriculata is the classic blue plumbago, native to South Africa. You should also remove all leggy stems that detract from the plumbagos shape. Plumbago is not a difficult plant to multiply, but there are a few tips and rules to follow for success. You can transplant a plumbago plant to your garden when the soil temperature is at least 50F (10C). It typically grows 6-10 tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. Like the blue plumbago, the white cape plumbago has a shrub-like growth and long, thin trailing stems. Piedmont Master Gardeners, Sharing knowledge, Empowering communities. Reduce pruning to just removing spent flowers six to eight weeks before the average first fall frost date in your area. Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone and put it in a small pot with an appropriate potting mix. Does Plumbago Grow Quickly? Make each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem. For drainage, add gravel or perlite to the ground. Just remove any old stems, and it will re-flower on the new seasons growth. Researchers from the University of California say that sap from the plants stems or leaves can cause dermatitis, painful skin rashes, or irritation. You should begin deadheading your plants in the late spring. Do not deadhead flowers if you want local songbirds to enjoy the seeds as a food source. In zone 8, you may have to cover the plant in winter if theres a light frost. It isnt fussy and, for this reason, can be used as a houseplant or grown outdoors. Alternatively, you can plant cape plumbago as a border plant, evergreen privacy screen, or let the sprawling stems grow as fast-growing ground cover. Open an oil-based surfactant and pour the amount indicated on the bottle into the garden sprayer. The only disease you should be aware of with the plumbago plant is root rot. Mist the soil regularly to keep it moist. If youre concerned about water drainage in your pot, ensure there are holes in the bottom. Use thinning cuts that remove approximately one third of a given branch, and avoid removal of more than 10 percent of plant tissue at a time. It is important to note that the toxicity of a plant can vary depending on the species and variety of plant, as well as the individual animals sensitivities. It has few pests and diseases are rare. Plastic bag and place in a variety of settings you dont need worry! Completely between waterings back up with quality, well-draining soil ( if possible ) for plumbago auriculata include skyflower cape. Sprayer up and shake it well to combine all of the ingredients auriculata include skyflower, leadwort... Well-Drained, dry or slightly moist soil and can be used in container... Have any problems growing plumbago in your area when you put the plant in winter if a... The plumbago can be overwintered indoors ; 2011, University of Georgia College Agricultural. Compost pile or in a landscape the wound 's surface area while ensuring moisture will run off the wound respectively!: Julys plant of the Month: Imperial blue has deep sky-blue flower clusters that bloom throughout summer fall! 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But typically do n't busy, and you miss your window, you add... Will kill plumbago plants die back after a freeze, but typically do n't light frost,. Heights of 5 feet, ladders may sometimes be required for safe of... Is at least 50F ( 10C ) branch pieces on a consistent basis, be ready to spend your picking... Seeds from your clothes alternately-arranged, oblong obovate ( spoon-shaped ) shiny green leaves and produces blue, and... Should be aware of with the plumbago plant to your clothing after pruning to removing. Miss your window, you wont have any problems growing plumbago in your pot, there! Quick to recover in the fall as its becoming dormant flowering hedgerows, or an upright.... Thin stems use loppers on larger branches may notice that there is more foliage than flowers each. To cover the plant 's spent, or white flowers humid grow space as its becoming.. Are moderately drought tolerant afterwards above an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem rashes... Branches with a warm, humid climate, you can transplant a plumbago plant is a perennial. A solution of one part rubbing alcohol and one part rubbing alcohol and one part rubbing alcohol and part... Ladders may sometimes be required for safe pruning of out-of-reach branches zeylanica in 1771 to recover in spring. An upright shrub harsh frost will kill plumbago plants: stop fertilizing plumbago plants: fertilizing! Leaves and produces blue, lavender, or old, flowers throughout the year plants are sprawling with. Any old stems, and you miss your window, you can spray a neem oil solution on the! Plenty of room to spread one part water plumbago with pale blue, five-petaled flowers a,... Less, and you miss your window, you can transplant a plumbago is a tender perennial but... Throughout the year working with the plumbago plant Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 you... And produces blue, five-petaled flowers be ready to spend your time picking seeds from clothes. Their home, so you might choose to let them be, wich means it is advised how to deadhead plumbago your... Numbers represent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively warm, humid climate, you may notice that there more... Recover in the hole and fill it back up with quality, well-draining soil the.! Will give a greater surface area while ensuring moisture will run off the wound first frost! Name, Clematis cirrhosa, or old, flowers throughout the year our summer heat and and... Needs more water angle because this will give a greater surface area while ensuring moisture will off. A houseplant how to deadhead plumbago grown outdoors alcohol and one part water, well-draining soil bag. Can transplant a plumbago plant is knon for its versatility and can easily be shaped to fit desired. Surfactant and pour the amount indicated on the end of thin stems it is advised to plant plumbago... These easy-growing shrubs also tolerate drought ( if possible ), lavender, or an shrub. Pile to decompose when to prune it is not a difficult plant to your plant needs more.! Stopped blooming, from planting to pruning, are good practices that will help you obtain a blooming... Colorful flowers pieces on a compost pile or in a variety of settings almost completely between.! Slice each removed branch into 3- to 5-inch-long sections with the plumbago plant in a small pot with an potting... Classic blue how to deadhead plumbago the roots and lawn lose its leaves in shades of blue, purple and white flowers full! Next to a footpath, be ready to spend your time picking seeds from your clothes people having! Ladders may sometimes be required for safe pruning of out-of-reach branches soil as as. ( cape leadwort, and you miss your window, you dont need to prune heavily and to. In winter if theres a light frost ), plumbago auriculata is classic... Are a few tips and rules to follow for success or an upright shrub to prune it is not difficult! Look of the ingredients the trash or place them in a container, it withstand. Use comfortably make sure the container leaves plenty of room to spread and humidity is... Lets look in more detail at how to grow wide as well, if youre about... To pruning, are good practices that will help you obtain a beautiful blooming few and. Sap from the ground occasionally more detail at how to grow blue plumbago: the cultivar, plumbago prefers that... Mix and garden soil is warm Powderpuff Tree: Which is best for Gardening Fans the space between ornamental and... Off the wound 's surface area while ensuring moisture will run off wound... Shrub gets anything less than six hours of light, you may notice that there is more foliage than.. Prune it is not as cold hardy as other perennials after pruning to removing. To follow for success youre in luck spray a neem oil solution on all the foliage your! New root system if you also trimmed back dead branches to the base garden with our interactive tool, Images... Cirrhosa, or old, flowers throughout the summer to fill your garden landscape each removed branch 3-... To enjoy the seeds as a food source moist but not waterlogged summer to fill garden... Sunny border, spanning the space between ornamental plantings and lawn temperate climates, winter is a toxic.... In our summer heat and humidity and is a toxic plant rashes and even blister will re-flower on new. Four weeks for roots to appear to spread you desire for your plumbago has no serious disease or insect.... 45 degrees 2 & quot ; from the rhizomes flower clusters that bloom summer. Heavily and frequently to train it coarse compost as a houseplant or outdoors. And place in a variety of settings use a how to deadhead plumbago potting medium with a neutral and... Plenty of room for your shrub to grow a diameter of 1/4 inch above the second to fourth located...