PLUMBAGO: IMPERIAL BLUE
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LATIN NAME: PLUMBAGO AURICULATA 'IMPERIAL BLUE'
The Basics
Attractive, deep powder-blue flowers are the showpiece of the Imperial Blue Plumbago. It is an evergreen shrub to woody vine that is native to South Africa and has green, oval to spatula-shaped leaves with small ear-like (auricle = ear-shaped appendage) projections at the base. The leaves are alternate on thin, gracefully arching stems. Imperial Blue Plumbago blooms year round, except in coldest winters, bearing many five-petaled tubular blue blooms in round clusters at the ends of the branches. The flower bases and seed capsules are covered with sticky, gland tipped hairs and often hitch a ride with humans or pets. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and do not require deadheading. The Needs Amount of Sunlight: Full to Partial Sun Amount of Water: Drought Tolerant, Average Water Soil Conditions: Slightly acidic with good drainage Cold Hardiness Zone: 8-11 The Care It can be pruned into a compact mounded shrub or most attractively allowed to freely sprawl, vine and trail. However, harsh pruning shortens the plant’s lifespan and contributes to brown, stick-like growth and looks best when the branches have enough room to exhibit their cascading nature. |
