Blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is one of my favorite plants to grow.
It has a profusion of GORGEOUS blue flowers, is not labor intensive and is super easy to grow. Plumbago is pretty much care free – just plant it and prune off the spent flower blooms every once in a while and it will reward you with even more blooms.
This plant is PERFECT for beginner gardeners or people who think they have a black thumb!
Is plumbago an annual or perennial?
I live in Ohio, zone 6A, so I normally grow it in a pot as an annual. But for those lucky people living in warmer climates, it is grown as a perennial shrub.
Either way it is a showstopper!
This plumbago variety is called Plumbago Imperial Blue and has the most gorgeous shade of periwinkle blue phlox-like flowers. It is a steady sea of blue goodness from spring to fall!
Even with this weird summer we’ve had around here, it’s been constantly blooming and never really had any down time.
How To Grow Plumbago In Warmer Climates – Zones 8-11
- Grows as a evergreen shrub
- Can grow up to 6 foot tall and wide
- Blooms best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade (will flower less in shade though)
- Regular pruning will produce a profusion of flowers
- This plant flowers on new growth, so pruning should be done in late winter or very early spring
- Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant
How To Grow Plumbago In Cooler Climates – Zones 7 or less
- Grows primarily as an annual
- Can be grown in pots also
- May be overwintered by bringing inside before the 1st frost
- As with the warmer climates, it will bloom best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
- Deadheading spent blooms will encourage new blooms
Have you grown plumbago recently?
Donna D
I love plumbago – it’s such a pretty shade of blue. And no, I’ve never had lumbago, LOL!!
suzieQ
Thanks for the recommendation of a hardy annual. I have pinned it for next year. It’s great to know what plants really perform and can make it through a crazy summer.. My garden isn’t speaking to me this year since my focus has been elsewhere but hopefully I will make it up next year.
No lumbago, thankfully!
Carla
When I lived in Texas I had plumbago. I love it.
Stacey
Aww, too bad it’s an annual for you. Plumbago grows madly here in Texas and it’s a perennial.
debs
I love it too,but it is very invasive when plkanted in the ground you might want to keep it confined to a large planter. It puts out runners under ground.
Leslie Stewart
Very beautiful! Gorgeous pics!
Leslie
House on the Way
Sarah Krouse
Mine is a perennial in GA; and I love it’s blue flower! But mine only has sparse, sporadic blooms. It makes up for it by being a lovely ground cover, so I love it no matter!
ThrifterSisters
No to both questions, Pam. But it is on my list to make Brian plant next year. Yes, I am bossy like that. I bark plant orders 🙂
~Erica
Cynthia
such a pretty plants and yes it would be nice if spell check knew what we wanted to say at times.
Cindy
Kerin
Your plumbago is beautiful. I had no idea that they got so showy!
As for your questions. Yes to lumbago, {healed up on it’s own..} and no, to the plumbago. Maybe I’ll try it next year. The plumbago that is!!
Joanne Noragon
Lovely flower. I put in on my list for a hanging basket.
TARYTERRE
Your plumbago is beautiful. What a pretty flower. ENJOY the dwindling days left with it.
Sharon @ mrshinesclass
I love plumbago and had it in my garden at my last house. I was just thinking about plumbago the other day and trying to figure it out where I could put it at this house. Thanks for sharing!
Travelin' GRITS
I’ll bet you can bring your plumbago thru the winter. Before the first frost, bring it into your garage or basement, preferably someplace where it will get South facing light. Water it once a month or so (basically, let it go dormant). In the spring when all chance of freezing has passed, trim any dead branches, and gradually move it to a sunny spot letting it get accustomed to full sun. I love plumbago! And here in South Carolina it does beautifully but I’ll have to be sure to heavily mulch over it when the cold comes. Good luck!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
How pretty…a beautiful shade of blue!
awal.ny
What a pretty flower. I had to throw out most of my potted annuals, I did not water enough too much over time at work and not enough energy, throw in baseball three days a week and you have terrible garden season. I am working on getting the energy to start trimming all the plants and starting the weeding again. I told my sister to sit on me if I say I want to go plant shopping. Oh well they are so pretty. As for the extras in the camper, yes I do know most would have to be screwed to the wall and nailed down. I’m still dreaming. Have a wonderful weekend. Alaina
Marissa
Down here that plant grows like crazy. It really grows fast and out of hand if you are not watching, I love it though when it is nicely manicured!
Anonymous
In PA. ,my plumbago is 3 years old. I keep it in the breezeway, with no heat thru the winter. It don’t look too good in spring, but prune it, feed it and it should be ok. Don’t throw it away, they’re so beautiful in full bloom.
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Lumbago, plumbago, prostate, prostrate…….hehe. I’ve never planted plumbago, but I love the soft blue color of the plant. And you got a great deal on your hay rake, too! Just in time for fall decorating. 🙂
Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads
Hi Pam, years ago I grew plumbago in a large container and only brought it inside on nights when it was freezing. I bet you could overwinter it as a previous commenter suggested. It really is lovely. I always have trouble remembering the word snapdragon! Don’t know why!
Tamera Satterlee
I have a plumbago and it’s over 6 foot tall. I have it growing on a trellis. We get some frost yearly, but it always comes right back. Mine have overtaken the flowerbed. It’s about 5 feet wide and popping up everywhere. I pull up starts that come up out of the flowerbed though.
Pam
That sounds beautiful! Well, except for the popping up everywhere thing 🙂
Peggy Sharp
I’m caring for a plumbago that my mom had for years and we live in southern Ohio. Not the climate for it to come back every year. Her solution was to dig it up every year and put it in a pot for the winter then replant in the spring. Maybe that seems silly but I’m now caring for her things and it gives me a good feeling to bring the beauty back each year rather than let it die. I’m sure that’s close to how she felt about it too. It is a beautiful flower. I read in the original post how the author hates throwing theirs in the trash and just wanted to share this solution.