Plumbago Plants: How to Grow Plumbago

Plumbago is a genus of deciduous mounding and climbing shrubs in the Plumbaginaceae family. The term plumbago can describe different types of flowering plants within this same family, such as the Plumbago auriculata and Ceratostigma genuses. 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. Plant plumbago in early spring so that it can take advantage of the spring and summer warmth before winter arrives and the plant goes dormant.

There are many flowering species of plants that belong to the plumbago family, including the following plants.

1. 1. Cape leadwort (Plumbago auriculata): Cape leadwort, also called cape plumbago, blue plumbago, or sky flower, is a herbaceous perennial native to South Africa that thrives in warm climates (such as Florida or Texas). It is a climber with a fast growth rate, forming oblong, green leaves and phlox-like pale blue flowers. In other climates, cape leadwort can grow as an annual plant.
   
2. 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.
3. 3. Scarlet plumbago (Plumbago indica): Scarlet plumbago, also known as Indian leadwort or scarlet leadwort, this type of plumbago blooms in red flowers. Scarlet plumbago can spread to a width of three feet and grow to two feet in height. This cultivar is most hardy in USDA zones eight through eleven, and it thrives in part shade.
4. 4. Common leadwort (Plumbago europaea): Common leadwort, also known as European leadwort, typically grows in Europe and Central Asia. Its flowers bloom in a variety of pink shades and have five oblong lobes.
5. 5. Burmese plumbago (Ceratostigma griffithii): Burmese plumbago grows up to three feet high and has dense branches and rounded leaves that turn red by autumn. This drought-tolerant plant blooms cerulean blue flowers during its summer bloom time.

Plant plumbago in the early spring after the last frost has reliably passed. This way, it can make the most of the warm spring and summer growing seasons. Different types of plumbago thrive in different hardiness zones. Cape leadwort, which is one of the most common breeds, thrives in warm environments like those in USDA hardiness zones eight through eleven. Keep in mind that plumbago flowers go dormant in the winter.

You can plant plumbago from seeds, stem cuttings, or root cuttings, though planting from seed is a simple process that you can start inside and move outside when the temperature is right. Follow this guide to grow plumbago from seeds.

1. 1. Sow your seeds. Plant your seeds a quarter of an inch deep in small planting pots filled with potting soil. Plant one seed per pot, then mist and cover the seeds densely to minimize their contact with sunlight and air.
2. 2. Germinate your seeds. Cover your containers with plastic to trap in heat and place them in a bright location. Mist the top inch of the soil to keep it moist. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings.
3. 3. Harden your seedlings. Your plumbago seeds should become seedlings after about four weeks in their growing containers. Move their containers outside to harden them to outdoor temperatures. Keep them in the shade and protect them from the wind for the first summer season. Bring your growing containers inside when the first frost of fall arrives.
4. 4. Transplant your seedlings. Your plumbagos should be ready to place in their final planting spot by spring or fall of the following year. Dig a hole for your plumbago that is deep enough to accommodate its root system. Choose a planting spot with full sun or partial shade.

Plumbago is a low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant plant that should thrive and spread easily once it is established. Follow these tips to keep your plumbago plants healthy and thriving.

1. 1. Wear gloves. Plumbago is highly toxic due to the chemical compound plumbagin. Always wear gloves to protect your hands and skin when you’re handling plumbago plants.
2. 2. Prune your plumbago. You can train plumbago vines to climb up a trellis by pruning them. Prune back some of the branches at the end of winter to stimulate new growth for the following spring.
3. 3. Water twice a month. Water your plumbagos deeply in their well-draining soil at least twice a month after they are established. Use your knuckle to test the soil between waterings, and only water if the soil is dry when it hits your first knuckle.
4. 4. Use it as a companion plant. Keep plumbagos near your other plants to attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds.

Plumbago is toxic to humans and animals. When humans handle plumbago, it can cause contact dermatitis. Do not keep plumbago in areas where your pets can eat it. Plumbagos will also bloom poisonous fruit covered in spiky barbs.

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