Plumbago (Blue plumbago, Cape Plumbago)

The azure-blue or white flowers of Cape plumbago bring welcome cool colors to warm-climate gardens. Their 1-inch blossoms, borne in 3- to 4-inch clusters above light green 1- to 2-inch leaves, continue to open all year under ideal conditions. In frost-free locations vinelike canes may exceed a height of 10 feet. In most gardens, however, Cape plumbago grows 2 or 3 feet tall in two to three years with a spread of 4 to 5 feet.

Cape plumbago is hardy to Zone 9. It prospers in a warm sheltered position in full sun but will tolerate light shade in hot areas. Almost any well-drained soil is suitable. Plants should be fed in early spring and again in midsummer with a dusting of 5-10-5 fertilizer spread on the ground out as far as the branches reach. Established plants do best if the soil is not constantly moist. When pruned to control size, they make good choices for planting near a foundation and can be shaped into a low hedge or trained to grow up a trellis or wall.

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