Plumbago auriculata 'Dark Blue'
Cape leadwort / (syn. Plumbago capensis)
Cape leadwort, an evergreen shrub capable of reaching heights of 4m or more with support, showcases slender, scandent stems bearing oblong to spoon-shaped leaves, measuring 4-7cm (2-3in) in length, and featuring a matte green hue occasionally tinged with a blue-grey tone.
An award-winning plant, Plumbago auriculata 'Dark Blue' also produces trusses of delicate, blue flowers measuring 1.5cm (1in) across from June to November, elegantly complementing its leaves.
It is well suited for seasonal outdoor use, grown on a pot or planter mounted trellis that can be moved indoors during the winter, or as a permanent sub-tropical shrubby climber for a large conservatory wall.
An award-winning plant, Plumbago auriculata 'Dark Blue' also produces trusses of delicate, blue flowers measuring 1.5cm (1in) across from June to November, elegantly complementing its leaves.
It is well suited for seasonal outdoor use, grown on a pot or planter mounted trellis that can be moved indoors during the winter, or as a permanent sub-tropical shrubby climber for a large conservatory wall.
How to care for Plumbago auriculata Dark Blue:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun, where it can be grown as a free-standing shrub or trained against a sunny wall or trellis. In the UK, it is also well suited to a raised planter or large container at least 50cm (20in) wide, making it easy to move into a bright, frost-free conservatory or greenhouse over winter.
Water regularly during the growing season and apply a balanced fertiliser each month to encourage healthy growth and plenty of flowers. If training against a support, choose three or four strong stems to form the main framework and tie in new shoots as they develop. In late winter or early spring, lightly prune to remove any dead, damaged or weak growth and trim back long shoots to maintain a neat, bushy shape.
As this shrub is not fully hardy in the UK, protect it from frost by overwintering it in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
Water regularly during the growing season and apply a balanced fertiliser each month to encourage healthy growth and plenty of flowers. If training against a support, choose three or four strong stems to form the main framework and tie in new shoots as they develop. In late winter or early spring, lightly prune to remove any dead, damaged or weak growth and trim back long shoots to maintain a neat, bushy shape.
As this shrub is not fully hardy in the UK, protect it from frost by overwintering it in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Frost tender
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Humans/Pets: Skin irritant
