Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'

Also Known As

Plumbago capensis
Cape Leadwort

Plant type

shrub, perennial, vine

size

H: 15'
W: 7'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue' plant details

Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue' is a fast-growing broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial shrub or vine with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'

Plant type: perennial shrub or vine
Plant family: plumbaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 7 FT wide, 15 FT tall
Flowers: blue blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: container plant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Also called cape leadwort, this selection has sky blue flowers in clusters that bloom all season on long, shrubby stems. Excellent draping over a container with summer annuals or tied to a trellis. Where hardy, allow to climb through the shrubbery, where it will seem to glow at twilight. Bring indoors in winter in colder regions.

By: Select Seeds

A deeper shade of blue for basket and pot, this Cape Leadwort is equal in grace to the original P. 'Auriculata.' Being a rapid grower and an everbloomer, its clusters of phlox-like flowers bring brilliant color to any sunny growing space in home or garden. We use it as a seasonal plant in the summer mixed container where it can be planted with Angelonia's, Ipomoea's, Abutilons and other fast growing varieties.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

Imperial Blue Plumbago produces large clusters of deep sky blue flowers from early summer until fall. Plumbago is a heat, sun, and drought tolerant tropical or tender perennial that makes a great addition to container gardens or it is often found growing as a groundcover, hedge, tree form, and espaliered on fences in mild winter climates.Provide Plumbago with a well-drained acid soil in a full to partial sun location for best results. This free blooming plant also attracts butterflies. Avoid using lime around this plant. In the northern portions of its range like zone 8B and 9 provide a deep mulch during winter.

By: Almost Eden

Cape Leadwort, Plumbago capensis or auriculata, is a leggy shrublike climber with well branched, arching stems. It is vigorous, easy to grow and can bloom spring through fall with large clusters of sky blue flowers. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Prune any time as needed to promote branching and to shape. South Africa.

By: Brushwood Nursery

Powder Blue Phlox is what one customer calls this shrubby viney Plumbago. It is not a phlox, but it does have similar shaped flowers in an ethereal shade of blue. You'll see this planted as hedges in warm winter climates, but those of us in the north grow this as a container plant. Keep up with the deadheading and this plant won't quit blooming. expect plants to grow to 24" or so in a season. Ultimately a 3-4' shrubby plant where hardy.