Photo of Plumbago zeylanica flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Plumbago zeylanica

Also Known As

  • Plumbago scandens
  • Desert Plumbago
  • Devil's Herb
  • Doctorbush
  • Native Plumbago
  • Summer Snow

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 3'-4'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Plumbago zeylanica plant details

Plumbago zeylanica is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Plumbago zeylanica

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plumbaginaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: edging plant, floriferous, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Plumbago zeylanica

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: bright shade - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Spikes of pure white flowers that sit at the ends of long tubes are produced at the ends of the sprawling stems of this low growing sprawling native shrub or tender perennial. Doctorbush is an excellent nectar source for larger butterflies and is a caterpillar host to the Cassius Blue butterfly. Use this durable native en mass as a groundcover or informal hedge for the best effect. Doctorbush is shade tolerant and prefers moderate amounts of moisture in a well-drained soil for the best flowering although it is relatively drought resistant once well-established making it useful in dry shade.

Gardening facts about Plumbago zeylanica plant

How to Grow Plumbago zeylanica

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Plumbago for your garden

aka Plumbago capensis, Cape Leadwort

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial, Vine

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 15'

Width: 7'

  • sun
  • even moisture - low
Photo of Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue' flower by Almost Eden
View Plant

More Options

aka Plumbago auriculata alba, Cape Leadwort, White Plumbago

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
Photo of Plumbago auriculata f. alba flower by Almost Eden
View Plant

More Options

aka Cape Leadwort, Cape Plumbago, Leadwort

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-36"

Width: 12"-36"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Plumbago auriculata flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+4 more Plumbago
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