Blue Plumbago

2. Hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides): Hardy plumbago, also known as blue leadwort, is a wiry, rhizomatous shrub native to China that grows quickly and is a popular ground cover. This plant loves full sun (but can handle partial sun), and sprouts deep blue cobalt flowers.

How much sun does a blue plumbago need?

It blooms best in full sun but will tolerate some shade if you are willing to sacrifice some of the bloom. As with most plants, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but again, it isn't fussy.

How do you keep plumbago blooming?

For the best growth and an abundant blooming, add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming.

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.

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.

Should plumbago be cut back 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.

How long do plumbago flowers last?

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 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.

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.

Should you deadhead plumbago?

Plumbago is a tough, low maintenance plant that requires no shearing or pruning. The flowers are self-cleaning, which means no deadheading is required. The foliage drops off after the first frost and the stems may be left in place over winter. The new foliage will cover the old stems.

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.

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 have invasive roots?

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.

Will plumbago survive a hard freeze?

A: The tops could burn during freezing temperatures, but the roots should be OK with moist soil and a blanket of mulch. If you wish to protect the tops, cover with a blanket.

Can plumbago be shaped?

They tend to be fast-growing, a good thing, but can quickly out-grow their assigned space. Plumbago is no exception; it can grow to 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide and pruning plumbago is an art. Fortunately or not, Plumbago is very prunable and is often severely sheared into geometric shapes.

What colors does plumbago come in?

Depending on the species, plumbago flower colors range from blue to red to white, with green leaves that turn red when cold temperatures arrive. They typically grow in low, clumping clusters that spread through rhizomes to form an ornamental ground cover.

What temperature can plumbago tolerate?

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 is attracted to plumbago?

Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees.

Does plumbago multiply?

Plumbago propagation through cuttings Cuttings are a great way to multiply your plumbago. The advantage of cuttings is that you get the exact same type of plant as the mother plant. There's no change in genetic material, the new plant is an exact clone. Perfect to keep that beautiful blooming!

When should you plant plumbago?

When used as a groundcover or in beds it is best to plant in early Autumn or early spring. Select a suitable growing location with lots of partial sun at a minimum. Plant in a well-drained soil, full of organic material with a 1/3 of each – loam, peat moss, sand – consistency.