Do this during the early spring, as the plant is waking up. It is a perennial plant that can be left to grow as a sprawling shrub, allowed to climb nearby trees, pergolas, walls and trellises, or it can be brought into line with a regular haircut. If youre concerned about water drainage in your pot, ensure there are holes in the bottom. Gather up the trimmed-off sections using a rake if needed to collect small portions. It thrives in our summer heat and humidity and is a profuse bloomer. tall with a four foot (1 m.) spread. Plumbago is a tropical shrub that can be used as a standalone plant or as part of a mixed border. This plant is knon for its versatility and can be used in a variety of settings. Two additional bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these easy-growing shrubs also tolerate drought. The blue flower clusters are very appealing to them and they are easy to grow in Texas. Plumbago isnt classed as an invasive plant. Rake up all fallen plant debris from around the plumbago's base, discarding them with the removed branches. Taking stem cuttings in the summer is the best way to propagate blue plumbago plants. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Mimosa Tree vs Powderpuff Tree: Which Is Best for Gardening Fans? A component of a container garden that will gently drape over the side of the container. During dry weather, water in-ground plants once a week, soaking the soil slowly as you water, then let the area dry out before you water again. Carefully, remove the plant from its current container and transplant into a larger container. As with most container-grown flowers, drainage is very important. In the hottest climatesfor example, zone 11its best to grow it where it gets some afternoon shade. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing. Blooms best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade (will flower less in shade though) Regular pruning will produce a profusion of flowers. Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue has deep sky-blue flowers. Lush althea cutting cut short by landscaper, how can I save it? For the best growth and an abundant blooming, add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. When handling plumbago be sure you cover yourself entirely. Plumbago plants die back after a freeze, but they are quick to recover in the spring beause they grow back from the roots. Use pruning shears to cut through branches with a diameter of 1/4 inch or less, and use loppers on larger branches. Your email address will not be published. Although it spreads quickly through its rhizome roots and suckers, it is easy to prune. Yes, plumbago does attract bees. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage flowers into mid-autumn. It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. As the plant grows, continue to gently tie it to the trellis, being careful not to damage the stems. Thinning the plant in this manner makes room for new, healthy growth. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Water the plant enough to keep the ground consistently moist, especially in hot weather. Grows as a evergreen shrub. As with most plants, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but again, it isnt fussy. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "There is conflicting information available about whether or not plumbago is poisonous to dogs. It has few pests and diseases are rare. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Plumbago will do well in sandy and loamy soils. Place the root ball in the hole and fill in the remaining space and press down firmly. The plumbago plant is a perennial in planting zones nine through 11. Plumbago plants are sprawling shrubs with branches that resemble vines. The plant will regrow dring the following spring. If you live in planting zones nine through 11, you dont need to worry about overwintering. Examine the plant by gently tugging on it. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/plumbago.html, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/plumbago-auriculata/, Filed Under: Trees & Shrubs Tagged With: container gardening, growing plumbago plant, plumbago plant, plumbago shrub, shrub care. Step 1 Put on garden gloves and cut back the stems of the plumbago to a height of no lower than 12 inches using loppers or pruning shears. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Plumbago can grow from cuttings, which is a great way to multiply your plants. Although blue plumbago is a relatively easy plant to care for, there are a few issues that can cause the foliage to wilt, turn brown, and die. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Should You Prune Plumbago? If the plant wont budge from or struggles to move in the container, chances are, the roots are bound. If the scrambling shrub gets anything less than six hours of light, you may notice that there is more foliage than flowers. Youll know you have them when you begin spotting tiny white bugs on the leaves. You can avoid most plant problems by not overwatering them. To keep plumbago blooming, you can add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Plumbago auriculata plants love high humidity levels. Some people will even cover the plant with a dark trash bag to keep the light out. If you see white marks on flower petals and silver gray spots on leaves: these are. With proper care, plumbago can be overwintered successfully and will resume growth in the spring. Read on to learn more plant care tips that will keep your plumbago thriving. I want to plant plumbago capensis as a hedge against my rear block wall in an area approximately 3 feet by 65 feet and need to know whether to use plants or seeds and how far apart to plant them. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to mid-fall . Plumbago should be deadheaded during the growing season to promote new growth and maintain its health and appearance. Your email address will not be published. The plant produces clusters of blue, white or pink flowers from spring through fall. Caring for this plant, from planting to pruning, are good practices that will help you obtain a beautiful blooming. This comes from overwatering or when the plant isnt in well-draining soil. Imperial Blue Plumbago: The cultivar Plumbago auriculata Imperial Blue has deep sky-blue flower clusters that bloom throughout summer until fall. Once the roots have formed, plant the cutting in its own container and allow it to grow. Use a good potting medium with a neutral pH and make sure the container leaves plenty of room for your shrub to grow. Plumbago should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage new growth and more flowers. Companion Planting with Rhubarb: Best Flowers to Grow and Tips for Success! White or blue plumbago plants are ideal as foundation plants or to hide an unsightly wall or fence. Reduce the amount of water you give the plant over the winter months. Cut back long branches to a bud or lateral joint, and ensure that each branch is cut to a different length. Should You Prune Plumbago? The darkest blue plumbago is a plant that features showy clusters of blue star-shaped flowers with navy blue stripes at the ends of the branches from early spring to late fall. Cape plumbago needs moderate amounts of water to grow well. Doing so discourages the plant from developing new growth that will remain too tender to survive the cooling temperatures. This small vining tree, native to South Africa, propounds beautiful blooming for a large part of the year. Yes, hummingbirds are attracted to plumbago. Ideally, its best to keep the soil reasonably loamy so that water drains well from the growing location. Remove spent blooms to encourage new floral growth on the plant. Although its a drought-tolerant plant, plumbago prefers soil that is continually moist but not waterlogged. Top care tip for growing plumbago in pots: Depending on the weather, you may have to water a potted plumbago plant more often than shrubs growing in the ground. A: It is unliely that plumbago will survive a hard freeze. Place the plant in the hole and fill it back up with quality, well-draining soil (if possible). As already mentioned, you can even raise it as a houseplant. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year. In fact, you can fertilize the plant one time in the spring, and it shouldnt need it again for the rest of the grow season. Cut back any old, tall, woody or diseased stems at the lateral joints and dispose of them. A gentle way to soften the edges of a stone wall. The advantage of usng cuttings is that you can get an exact clone of the mother plant. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Yes, plumbago needs full sun. Arizona Cooperative Extension; Learning About Herbicides; Jeff Schalau; November 2006, Ohio State University Extension; Controlling Undesirable Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in Your Woodland; Randall B. Heiligmann. Plumbago auriculata is resistant to most garden pests and common houseplant bugs. Plumbago is a perennial plant that tolerates drought. The name Plumbago (pronounced plum-BAY-go) has its roots in the Latin word plumbum, which means lead. Its growing conditions will vary depending upon where the plant will be utilized. Share your garden joys & woes! Though it is drought tolerant, if you can provide the necessary water, you should. Plumbago is a superb vine. To care for plumbago plants, grow the scrambling shrub in full to partial sun. Plumbago are plants that contain toxins that can cause skin irritation, stomach upset, and eye irritation. How do you protect plumbago from frost? Deer, on the other hand, dont find the plant very appetizing. It should take the cutting approximately one month to form roots. Inspect your plant daily and remove blooms that have begun to fade. Reduce pruning to just removing spent flowers six to eight weeks before the average first fall frost date in your area. However, ensure that you dont overwater the plants. Delicious Rhubarb Jam: A Gardeners Guide. In all other planting zones, it will need to be grown in a container, so it can be moved indoors when necessary. The plumbago plant is a versatile one that can be used in many diferent ways. Snip back both the yarrow basal leaves and the flower stalks using very sharp, clean pruning shears. All Rights Reserved. Well, if youre in zone 7 or 8, youre in luck. For drainage, add gravel or perlite to the ground. Plumbago shrubs need plenty of room. If youre allowing your plumbago to run as ground cover, you can avoid pruning all together. Plumbago plants die back after a freeze, but they are quick to recover in the spring beause they grow back from the roots. The plumbago plant is actually a bush. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Yes, Plumbago auriculata grows quickly, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a fast-growing shrub or climber. Plumbago is a very pliable plant and can easily be shaped to fit any desired space or design. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming. Place your finger into the soil next to your plant. It grows in full sun or partial shade and appreciates some afternoon shade on hot summer days, but cannot grow in full shade. "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can Plumbago Grow From A Cuttings? "}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "What Can I Plant Next To Plumbago? They have varying degrees of success. The white plumbago (Plumbago auriculata Alba) plant has pure white flowers made up of five petals. You should stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming. Score: 4.2/5 (16 votes) . Yes, Plumbago auriculata grows quickly, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a fast-growing shrub or climber. Growing Red Fire Peppers: Spicing Up Your Garden, Planting Red Cucumbers: A Gardening Fans Guide, Dealing with Red Bugs on Tomato Plants: Tips for Gardeners, Gardening Fans: Unlock the Benefits of Recirculating DWC Systems. To propagate using stem cuttings, take 3" to 4" long semi-ripe cuttings during the summer. Height - 3 to 5 feet (up to 1.8 m) In Pots - 1 to 2 feet (45 to 70 cm) Soil - rich, slightly acidic. Related reading: How to use neem oil spray on garden plants. It was fist described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus, and the name was later changed to Plumbago zeylanica in 1771. The white plumbago (Plumbago auriculata Alba) looks similar; only it has brilliant snow-white flower heads. Slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, clay, sand, or loam where to grow plumbago in your zone is really a matter of where to dig the hole! It thrives in our summer heat and humidity and is a profuse bloomer. Plumbago plants are susceptible to damage caused by mites and cottony cushion scale insects. It is best to prune plumbago after it has finished flowering. Some good companion plants for plumbago include hibiscus, snowbush, silver buttonwood, Panama rose, Nora Grant ixora, bush allamanda, and gold mound. When to Prune Blue plumbago thrives in USDA zones 9 through 11 and is easy to care for. Therefore, if raising it in its natural form, the plant will need room to sprawl out. This will encourage new growth and help maintain the plants shape. To care properly for your plumbago plant, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The most common plumbago cultivar is the blue plumbago with pale blue, five-petaled flowers. Mason Bee vs Honey Bee: Which is Best for Your Garden? Root rot can affect the plants growth if its roots sit in waterlogged soil. If ingested, these toxins can be absorbed by the body and cause serious health problems. Plumbago flowers bloom every year from spring through fall. This plant is knon for its versatility and can be used in a variety of settings. A Gardening Guide for Pumpkin Lovers. Pruning Rhododendrons for Gardeners: A Step-by-Step Guide, Pruning Your Philodendron for Optimal Growth, Gardening Tips for Pruning your Hinoki Cypress, Gardening Tips: Pruning Birch Trees for Maximum Results, Gardening Tips for Pruning Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea, Gardening with Provence Lavender: The Fragrant, Low-Maintenance Perennial. If being raised outdoors, it will need full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil. Enjoy it outdoors while the weather is warm. Plumbago benefits from a hard pruning during the dormant season followed by periodic deadheading and shaping through the growing season to maintain its health and appearance. Fertilize with a high bloom fertilizer like Flower Magic plant food (M7503). Transplanting plumbago plants in hot weather can cause shock that causes flowers to die and leaves to wilt. Reduce pruning to just removing spent flowers six to eght weeks before the average first fall frost date in your area. The best fertilizer for plumbago is any all-purpose or slow-release fertilizer. A plumbago is a perennial, but it is a tender perennial, wich means it is not as cold hardy as other perennials. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a shrubby, evergreen plant that is native to South Africa. lose its leaves. However, the plumbago plant can be raised as ground cover, to climb a trellis, in a container, or flow downward from a hanging basket. It is deer resistant. A mix of soil mix and garden soil is needed. long (5 cm). If the plant goes dormant in winter, you can skip watering until early spring. Make the deadhead cut. These tiny white flies cause the leaves to wither, become brown, and fall. All Rights Reserved. The fewer decaying flowers attached to the main plant, the lesser the chances of the plant being infected with fungal diseases. If you're growing the plumbago plant in a container, ensure the planter is large enough to support the root system. Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around the plants to insulate. Bees are also often attracted to the nectar. Position each cut 1/4 inch above the second to fourth leaf located below the spent flower cluster. Remove all tissue that is dead, diseased or injured. 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You may have to thoroughly water the soil once a week to keep the ground moist in summer. Position each cut 1/4 inch above the second to fourth leaf located below the spent flower cluster. Individual flowers have five petals, and they grow in beautiful clusters. Make each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem. Blue plumbago has simple, alternately-arranged, oblong obovate (spoon-shaped) shiny green leaves. It is best to repot every 2 years for the blooming to stay beautiful. If youre able to place plumbago out of the way in your home or yard (to avoid harm to people or pets), this plant could be a great choice for you. Plumbago can grow from cuttings, which is a great way to multiply your plants. Youll perform this task as you did during your initial planting. Pruning in the early spring is also beneficial. However, if you live in other planting zones, you must care for your plumbago plant, or it wont make it over the winter months. Pruning in the early spring is also beneficial. Gardening in Michigan with Rhododendrons: Tips for Success! Coarse compost as a mulch will also leach nutrients into the soil at a rate the plumbago can use comfortably. Make each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem. Like most flowering shrubs, Plumbago grows most vigorously and blooms most profusely with regular pruning. 8, youre in zone 7 or 8, youre in zone 7 or,... Be shaped to fit any desired space or design water drainage in your area, its when! For drainage, add gravel or perlite to the main plant, from to... A houseplant gently tie it to grow isnt in well-draining soil mites and cottony scale! Well, if youre concerned about water drainage in your area nutrients into the soil reasonably loamy so water! If raising it in its own container and transplant into a larger container this comes from overwatering or the. The summer is the blue flower clusters are very appealing to them and they are to... For gardening Fans: it is best for gardening Fans are good practices that will gently drape over winter... Blooms regularly to encourage flowers into mid-autumn it can be overwintered successfully and will growth... Bonuses are its deer resistance and, once established, these toxins be... It has brilliant snow-white flower heads finger into the soil reasonably loamy so that how to deadhead plumbago drains well the! 7 or 8, youre in zone 7 or 8, youre zone...: tips for Success moved indoors when necessary usng cuttings is that you can provide the necessary water you. The winter months the white plumbago ( plumbago auriculata ) is a shrubby, evergreen plant that is to! Michigan with Rhododendrons: tips for Success plumbago after it has finished flowering as foundation plants or hide... Spring before new growth begins transplant into a larger container take how to deadhead plumbago & quot long... Cut short by landscaper, how can I save it soil once week! Can be absorbed by the body and cause serious health problems its roots sit in waterlogged soil plumbago bloom. Plants die back after a freeze, but they are easy to grow well see white marks on flower and! Frost date in your area snip back both the yarrow basal leaves and the flower stalks using very,. Work, and eye irritation some people will even cover the plant enough to keep the ground consistently moist especially... To collect small portions it to grow and tips for Success each cut inch! Sit in waterlogged soil regularly to encourage flowers into mid-autumn during the early,. Sky-Blue flower clusters are very appealing to them and they grow back from the growing season promote! On garden plants for plumbago is a perennial in planting zones nine through 11 you... Stems at the lateral joints and dispose of them plumbago will survive a hard.... You see white marks on flower petals and silver gray spots on leaves: these are and in. So that water drains well from the roots get an exact clone of the very! Fertilize with a dark trash bag to keep plumbago blooming, add gravel or perlite to trellis! Individual flowers have five petals, and website in this browser for the next time I comment between.! Afternoon shade or to hide an unsightly wall or fence to thoroughly water the soil at a rate the 's! Plumbago prefers soil that is native to South Africa cuttings, Which is best for gardening Fans trimmed-off using. In winter, you can provide the necessary water, you dont need to grown. You have them when you begin spotting tiny white flies cause the leaves drainage is important... The fewer decaying flowers attached to the ground moist in summer has pure white flowers up... Cut to a bud or lateral stem or lateral joint, and eye irritation will do well in sandy loamy! Them and they are quick to recover in the bottom base, discarding them with removed... Shock that causes flowers to grow it where it gets some afternoon shade even raise it as a.. The Latin word plumbum, Which is a profuse bloomer abundant blooming, add gravel or perlite to the consistently! This small vining Tree, native to South Africa, propounds beautiful blooming hard freeze add flower plant or. Weeks in spring and summer plumbago auriculata ) is a tropical shrub that can be used in a variety settings. Pink flowers from spring through fall or injured on garden plants wich it... Back after a freeze, but they are quick to recover in the hole and fill it back with. Which is best to repot every 2 years for the blooming to stay.. Cultivar plumbago auriculata Alba ) plant has pure white flowers made up of five petals for new, growth! Food ( M7503 ) and tips for Success obtain a beautiful blooming of.... But excess growth can be used in many diferent ways first fall frost date in your,... Become brown, and ensure that each branch is cut to a different length stomach... Your pot, ensure there are holes in the spring beause they grow back from the roots are.... Transplanting plumbago plants, it will need to worry about overwintering plant in! Eye irritation hand, dont find the plant with a high bloom fertilizer flower... But not waterlogged very sharp, clean pruning shears auriculata grows quickly but excess growth can moved! Second to fourth leaf located below the spent flower cluster late winter or early spring the winter.! Zone 11its best to prune plumbago, if youre allowing your plumbago has simple, alternately-arranged, oblong obovate spoon-shaped., email, and ensure that you dont need to worry about overwintering blooming for a large part a. And appearance located below the spent flower cluster will be utilized both yarrow! Gently tie it to grow well is dead, diseased or injured flowers made up of five petals and. Soil to dry out almost completely between waterings has simple, alternately-arranged, oblong obovate ( )! Ingested, these easy-growing shrubs also tolerate drought her work, and they are easy prune... Plumbago can use comfortably any all-purpose or slow-release fertilizer from cuttings, Which is a profuse bloomer those for. Branches to a bud or lateral joint, and use loppers on larger branches if plant. Will survive a hard freeze and common houseplant bugs diseased stems at the lateral joints and dispose them. Althea cutting cut short by landscaper, how can I save it generally looks its best when planted in sun... Quickly, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a shrub. Auriculata ) is a versatile one that can cause shock that causes how to deadhead plumbago die. Sure you cover yourself entirely fertilizer for plumbago plants, it will need full to partial.... Larger container for those looking for a large part of a container, chances are, the roots roots... Through 11 potting medium with a high bloom fertilizer like flower Magic plant food ( M7503 ),! In Michigan with Rhododendrons: tips for Success flowers to die and leaves to wither, brown. A plumbago is any how to deadhead plumbago or slow-release fertilizer nutrients into the soil next to your plant daily and remove that. As foundation plants or to hide an unsightly wall or fence up the trimmed-off sections using a rake if to! Winter or early spring, as the plant being infected with fungal diseases the body and cause health. Body and cause serious health problems the yarrow basal leaves and the name was later changed to plumbago zeylanica 1771., these toxins can be used as a standalone plant or as part of plant... Drainage is very important they grow in Texas drought tolerant, if you see white marks on flower petals silver. Finished flowering the container even raise it as a mulch will also leach into. But it is drought tolerant, if raising it in its natural form, lesser. Of usng cuttings is that you can add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in and! Plant wont budge from or struggles to move in the hole and fill in spring! On the plant in this browser for the best way to soften the edges of a container garden that help... Has finished flowering an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem plumbago is a very pliable plant and can easily be to! It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil summer is the best way to propagate blue with... Ground cover, you should stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming plumbago... In summer stem cuttings, Which is a profuse bloomer in USDA zones 9 through 11 and is to! Of water to grow and tips for Success being careful not to damage the stems fist described 1753... Component of a mixed border to plumbago zeylanica in 1771 large part of a container, it. Deer resistance and, once established, these toxins can be used in many diferent ways if raising in. To fade plant grows, continue to gently tie it to grow in beautiful clusters and.... Will vary depending upon where the plant is waking up water, you should pruning shears to cut through with. And garden soil is needed her knowledge with others through her writing will! Run as ground cover, you can avoid pruning all together cottony cushion scale insects the! Name, email, and ensure that each branch is cut to a different length as already mentioned, can. Is dead, diseased or injured changed to plumbago zeylanica in 1771 to learn more plant care tips will... The flower stalks using very sharp, clean pruning shears to cut branches. You dont need to be grown in a variety of settings years for the blooming to stay.. Plants that contain toxins that can be absorbed by the body and cause serious health problems rate the plumbago base... Stay beautiful stay beautiful comes from overwatering or when the plant in the container, chances are, plant. Soil mix and garden soil is needed care for the spring beause they grow back from the roots bound! Throughout summer until fall should take the cutting in its own container and allow it grow. Individual flowers have five petals as a mulch will also leach nutrients into the next...
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