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 a 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!
Does plumbago need full sun?
Although it can tolerate some shade, plumbago blooms best in full sun. The number of flower blossoms will be reduced in more shaded areas.
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?
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.