Plumbago auriculata

RHS Plant Profile
Cape leadwort

Synonyms

Plumbago capensis

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs

An evergreen shrub to 4m or more (with support), with slender, scandent stems bearing light green, spoon-shaped leaves and terminal racemes of sky-blue, long-tubed flowers 15mm across

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plumbaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Climbing, Bushy
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Skin irritant - Harmful if eatenexcept ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Plumbago can be annuals, perennials or scrambling evergreen shrubs, with simple leaves and short terminal racemes of salver-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light, water freely when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly . Keep barely moist when dormant and top-dress or repot in spring. Support stems. Can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas in fertile soil. May need restrictive pruning under glass

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring, or take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 12 in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free