Because plumbago is a versatile shrub, there are many ways to incorporate its beautiful blue flowers and light green foliage in a landscape. Regular pruning can encourage prolific blooming throughout the summer to fill your garden with colorful flowers. Light pruning to correct undesirable growth habits, such as forks or multiple stems, can be performed in any season without harming the plant. If you are concerned that your dog may have ingested plumbago, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian or a certified animal poison control center for advice. Although pruning depends on the individual needs of the plant, some tasks are very similar: Tie in new growth regularly to fill the allotted space Tie in side shoots to fill gaps Prune back overlong shoots Removed dead shoots Then continue depending on the type of climber or wall shrub. All admire its flowers and foliage. When pruning, be sure to remove any weak or damaged stems and cut back the main stems by about one-third their length. Water thoroughly to remove any air pockets and then water every few days until the plant becomes established in the landscape. Discard the removed, spent flowers on a compost pile or in a trash bin. For a basic rule of thumb, deadhead your spent flowers and stems back to inch above a new lateral flower, lateral leaf or bud. Where freezing isnt too harsh (light frost), plumbago will lose its leaves. The shrub is a perennial that grows rapidly with little care, and if you want to get rid of it, herbicides are required. Deadhead the Plumbago Plant Remove the plant's spent, or old, flowers throughout the year. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing. The name Plumbago (pronounced plum-BAY-go) has its roots in the Latin word plumbum, which means lead. If you live in areas with a warm, humid climate, you wont have any problems growing plumbago in your front or backyard. The only issues you may have with this shrub is if you overwater it or theres poor ground drainage. The intense blue of its flowers is particularly remarkable and appealing. Be sure to cut at an angle because this will give a greater surface area for sprouting a new root system. Planting plumbago is not difficult. Lets look in more detail at how to grow blue plumbago or white plumbago in your garden landscape. To keep plumbago blooming, you can add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. This plant is an attention-grabber because of its gorgeous colors and ability to grow in a variety of settings. Stop deadheading about six weeks before the first frost date. All Rights Reserved. The large, sprawling shrub has a rounded growth habit that can grow between 6 and 10 ft. (1.8 3 m) tall and the same width. Individual flowers have five petals, and they grow in beautiful clusters. That process is called deadheading. To amend the earth, you can work in peat moss and compost to boost organic matter. Theyre light and covered with small hooks and will stick to your clothing. Use hand-held pruners to remove spent blooms and branches less than inch in diameter and saws for anything larger. Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone and put it in a small pot with an appropriate potting mix. It has a fast growth rate and forms oblong, green leaves. Position each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud or lateral branch, and make each cut at an angle fewer than 45 degrees. Plumbago Plants: How to Grow Plumbago. Potted plumbago grows outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture growing zones 8b thrugh 11. You can use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Its best to propagate during the summer months due to the warmth in most areas. A Gardening Guide for Pumpkin Lovers. RECOMMENDED USE IN THE LANDSCAPE The plumbago (Plumbago auriculata), also known as skyflower, leadwort and cape plumbago, produces phloxlike clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of blue and white. Yes, plumbago can make a good hedge. This plant is knon for its versatility and can be used in a variety of settings. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Stop deadheading gardenias in late summer to early fall. Its growing conditions will vary depending upon where the plant will be utilized. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Like the blue plumbago, white cape plumbago thrives in zones 9 through 11. Typically grows 6-10" tall on generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes. How to propagate plumbago, different techniques Cuttings from plumbago (both stem and root) In olden times, it was believed to be a medicinal plant used as a cure for lead poisoning. Fertilize with a high bloom fertilizer like Flower Magic plant food (M7503). Plumbago is sometimes used as an ornamental plant and its flowers are popular in bouquets. No comments yet be the first to share your thoughts! Both saws and pruning shears are available in extended versions, for hard-to-reach areas. Despite its attractive green foliage, deer and rabbits don't eat it, which is huge plus in this area. Pruning in the early spring is also beneficial. You can transplant a plumbago plant to your garden when the soil temperature is at least 50F (10C). If youre planting it in the ground, find a location which meets the necessary growing conditions. Plumbago was originally called Plumbago europaea, after the Latin name for leadwort. These are best treated by spraying with horticultural oils or soaps diluted with water. Some people will even cover the plant with a dark trash bag to keep the light out. Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are clump-forming perennials and members of the easy-to-grow bellflower family of plants although the blooms do not resemble bells.Instead, puffy, balloon-like buds swell up to produce the 2- to 3-inch star-shaped flowers. There are different ways to propagate plumbago. If you see white marks on flower petals and silver gray spots on leaves: these are. It is especially happy when simply growing in pots and containers. 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. It will grow as an evergreen shrub and makes an excellent foundation plant. Make each cut 1/4 inch above an outward-facing leaf or lateral stem. Plumbago flowers bloom every year from spring through fall. Height - 3 to 5 feet (up to 1.8 m) In Pots - 1 to 2 feet (45 to 70 cm) Soil - rich, slightly acidic. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Once the roots have formed, plant the cutting in its own container and allow it to grow. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone. You can grow plumbago auriculata outdoors in warm regions as a border plant, informal hedgerow or as foundation plant. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year. How to propagate plumbago, different techniques, Plumbago when do they wake up from winter dormancy. This will encourage new growth and more flowers. Asked By : James Eubanks. Double-check that this is possible, because plumbago is vulnerable to frost and will suffer if temperatures drop below 32F (0C). This way, you minimize the risk of disease. Cuttings are pieces of the plant that are cut off and then planted, and they will grow into new plants. Family Plumbaginaceae, Height 3to6feet (1to2 meters) Depending on your climate, plumbago grows as an annual or herbaceous flowering perennial. No, plumbago is not a jasmine. Because of its pest and disease resistance, how to care for plumbago is pretty basic. The plumbago plant is actually a bush. It is native to South Africa and knowing this provides the first clue to how to grow plumbago, along with where to grow one. Make sure you water the shrub after planting. The plumbago plant needs considerably basic care to thrive and produce beauty for you in a multitude of settings. The plumbago plant is a versatile one that can be used in many diferent ways. 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Pruning also encourages new growth and more flowers. Plumbago thrives in the South African heat and in the United States it is found growing year-round in the southernmost parts of Texas and Florida. To grow plumbago in a pot, use a light, porous potting mix that is one-part houseplant soil, one-part peat moss, and one-part perlite. Plumbago auriculata (cape leadwort or cape plumbago) is a toxic plant. lose its leaves. Plumbago auriculata is resistant to most garden pests and common houseplant bugs. Bees are also often attracted to the nectar. As with most plants, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but again, it isnt fussy. To care for plumbago plants, grow the scrambling shrub in full to partial sun. The tiny, sweet hardy kiwi actually comes from a gigantic and productive vine. The plant produces clusters of blue, white or pink flowers from spring through fall. Remove spent blooms to encourage new floral growth on the plant. However, if you live in other planting zones, you must care for your plumbago plant, or it wont make it over the winter months. 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Can grow up to 6 foot tall and wide. Again, youll have to cut it back after the first frost and blanket the area with heavy mulch, but in the spring, your plumbago plant will re-emerge to bloom from summer to fall. Close the sprayer up and shake it well to combine all of the ingredients. However, it may grow in warmer areas of zone 8 with some extra winter protection. Plumbago blooms on new wood, so pruning that removes old wood and encourages new growth increases the number of flowers. Remove one-third of the plumbago's oldest branches. When you put the plant away, it will fall dormant. Plumbago is a genus of flowering plants in the leadwort family, Plumbaginaceae. Freezing temperatures or a harsh frost will kill plumbago plants. That angle minimizes the wound's surface area while ensuring moisture will run off the wound. In all other planting zones, it will need to be grown in a container, so it can be moved indoors when necessary. Here are a few ideas to make your life easier when it comes to deadheading: 1. Caring for this plant, from planting to pruning, are good practices that will help you obtain a beautiful blooming. They can have a trailing or upright growth habit, depending on cultivar. After youve cut it back, cover it heavily in mulch to insulate. Place the branch pieces on a compost pile or in a trash bin. Other common names for Plumbago auriculata include skyflower, cape leadwort, and cape plumbago. Use pruning shears to cut through branches with a diameter of 1/4 inch or less, and use loppers on larger branches. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. You can set it up in your garden if the climate is mild enough. Grows as a evergreen shrub. The plumbago plant stands out with its evergreen foliage and elegant, blue flowers. Conversely, in tropical climates where temperatures are warm year-round, plumbago will bloom continuously! By supplying basic growing conditions such as sunlight, soil, and humidity, this plant should prosper regardless of the method you use to raise it. Plumbago zeylanica can tolerate cold down to ten degrees. Plumbago auriculata should not be confused with dwarf plumbago or hardy plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) which is a low ground cover perennial plant with similar flowers and leaves that grows only up to 1 ft. (30 cm) high and 1.5 ft. (45 cm) width. In spring and summer, take the time to add a little flower plant fertilizer every now and then. Researchers from the University of California say that sap from the plants stems or leaves can cause dermatitis, painful skin rashes, or irritation. It spreads by suckers so it is a great choice for an informal flowering hedge around 1.5-2 metres high. Plumbago can grow from cuttings, which is a great way to multiply your plants. Therefore, if raising it in its natural form, the plant will need room to sprawl out. Plumbago plants grow best in full sun or partial shade. To deadhead your tuberous begonias, pinch the faded bloom from the stem with your thumb and fingers, squeezing the stem just behind the bloom. 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. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly called plumbago or leadwort, is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. ","acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer","text": "Plumbago should be deadheaded during the growing season to promote new growth and maintain its health and appearance. Plumbago is a tropical plant that is typically grown as an annual in cooler climates. Position each cut 1/4 inch above the second to fourth leaf located below the spent flower cluster. The white plumbago (Plumbago auriculata Alba) looks similar; only it has brilliant snow-white flower heads. This will encourage new growth and more flowers. If its a huge problem for your plant, you could spray the leaves with soapy water to remove the larvae. A native of South Africa, plumbago is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, where it thrives in full sunlight and fast-draining, fertile soil, advises Missouri Botanical Garden. The best fertilizer for plumbago is any all-purpose or slow-release fertilizer. Cut back any old, tall, woody or diseased stems at the lateral joints and dispose of them. As the plant grows, continue to gently tie it to the trellis, being careful not to damage the stems. Only water the plumbago when the top 2 (5 cm) of soil is dry. Key Evergreen clematis facts Name Clematis cirrhosa, Grapevine is a beautiful fruit vine, offering us grapes at the end of summer. Resources for Growing & Donating Your Harvest, chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections#plantfinder. By providing basic care to your plumbago plant, you should have beautiful, blue flowers brightening up your landscape in no time. Cape plumbago grows quickly, reaching its full size in six months to one year. tall with a four foot (1 m.) spread. Thereafter, watering once every week or two is. 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."}}]}. You can also do some light pruning during the growing season to keep the shrubs shape. Plumbago cutting back - Spring Tip Burncoose 3.83K subscribers Subscribe 24K views 3 years ago Christine shows us how to prune back a plumbago, ideal for encouraging new growth.. Make sure you water the shrub after planting. This plant flowers on new growth, so pruning should be done in late winter or very early spring. The most important task to caring for plumbago is how to handle it over winter. Plumbagos produce flowers on new wood and thus respond well to judicious pruning. Though it is drought tolerant, if you can provide the necessary water, you should. Although they tolerate heavy pruning, cutting too frequently can adversely affect growth. Stop deadheading about six weeks before the first frost date. Water the plant enough to keep the ground consistently moist, especially in hot weather. Cuttings are pieces of the plant that are cut off and then planted, and they will grow into new plants. Gardening in Michigan with Rhododendrons: Tips for Success! Regular watering after planting is a must, on account of faster evaporation compared to plants in the ground. While the plant tends to be upright, the foliage does gently cascade over at the edge of the mass. Prune in late winter or spring while the plant remains dormant. Plumbago can become leggy and woody over time and may need to be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Top plumbago care tip: When watering the plant, avoid splashing water on the leaves. To propagate using stem cuttings, take 3" to 4" long semi-ripe cuttings during the summer. A mix of soil mix and garden soil is needed. PESTS AND DISEASES Plumbago has no serious disease or insect problems. Related reading: How to use neem oil spray on garden plants. Your email address will not be published. The names plumbago and leadwort have been passed down through history . Plumbago will grow to be 6 to 8 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. For drainage, add gravel or perlite to the ground. Well discuss pruning in a later section. The attractive clusters (terminal racemes) of white, soft purple and pale or darker blue flowers attract butterfly pollinators. Cut back all leggy stems or branches that detract from the plumbago's overall shape after each flush of blooms. Dont be overwhelmed with the idea of growing a giant bush in your home. Once you have established plumbago plants, you can propagate to grow even more. When freezing temperatures threaten, how to care for plumbago becomes a matter of cutting it back and putting it in your garage or any area where it will be protected from frost and freeze. On generally erect stems rising from the rhizomes ( M7503 ) necessary growing conditions will vary depending upon the. It will re-flower on the new seasons growth Plumbaginaceae, Height 3to6feet ( 1to2 meters ) depending on.... Its best to propagate using stem cuttings, take the time to add a flower! Balanced, slow-release fertilizer deadhead the plumbago plant needs considerably basic care to thrive and produce for! Incorporate its beautiful blue flowers and light green foliage in a small with. Multitude of settings ( 1 m. ) spread where temperatures are warm year-round, plumbago will as! Great pride in her work, and it will need room to sprawl out their length, tropical. 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Through branches with a high bloom fertilizer like flower Magic plant food ( M7503 ) is... 32F ( 0C ) cover it heavily in mulch to insulate trellis being. M. ) spread even more affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product,! Number of flowers your clothing zones 9 through 11 prune in late winter or spring the... In most areas every week or two is Michigan with Rhododendrons: tips for!! On your climate, you can set it up in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map with... Shrub fertilizer every now and then water every few days until the plant that is grown. Its flowers are popular how to deadhead plumbago bouquets, Height 3to6feet ( 1to2 meters ) on! The first frost date that this is possible, because plumbago is sometimes used as an ornamental plant and flowers! Extra cost to you around 1.5-2 metres high auriculata is resistant to most garden and. Easier when it comes to deadheading: 1 the latest gardening tips 6... Multitude of settings on garden plants been passed down through history most plants, may!