Though non-native, this species is considered a Florida-Friendly plant and labeled by the UF/IFAS Assessment as “low invasion risk.” It is sometimes called Cape plumbago, leadwort, or sky flower. The two eyespots on this cassius blue are a brilliant irridescent blue. Common names include plumbago and leadwort (names which are also shared by the genus Ceratostigma). Cotton cushion scale and mites are occasionally a problem, too, but do not usually affect the long-term health of the plant. Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. Hardy coastal ground cover with small white flowers throughout the year. Blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is an evergreen shrub that is native to South Africa, but grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Plumbago auriculata is the classic blue plumbago, native to South Africa. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms). Evergreen foliage, cascading form, and persistent fruits give plumbago some winter interest. across (2.5 cm), over a long season. When plants show signs of aging, remove old crowns and replace with rooted stems. Oblong leaves to 4 inches long are deep red when new, maturing to medium green; nearly all foliage turns red in late fall and winter. It is native to South Africa, and knowing this provides the first clue to how to grow a plumbago, along with where to grow one. Plumbago scandens (Doctorbush) is an evergreen loosely sprawling shrub adorned with clusters of pure white, sometimes pink-tinged, tubular flowers, 1 in. This species has a pan-tropical distribution. Add to cart 1 - 4" pot of White Plumbago/ Plumbago scandens Butterfly host for the Cassius blue. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) – Florida Gardening . This native, sprawling groundcover/shrub is an excellent shade groundcover for South Florida, where it spreads and fills in quickly. Florida's only native cycad. Wild plumbago is generally considered a Florida native, with a range that includes parts of south Texas and Arizona. If it grows out of bounds or becomes leggy, simply whack it back once or twice a year and it … Florida Native Wildflowers. Prefers average to dry sites. Plumbago shrubs produce brightly colored white or sky-blue flowers and are … Credit: Bob Peterson. The plumbago plant (Plumbago auriculata), also known as the Cape plumbago or sky flower, is actually a shrub and in its natural surroundings can grow 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. Gardeners in Central and South Florida will enjoy blooms year-round, unless hit by frost. According to the Atlas of Florida Plants, it's found throughout most of coastal Florida from Volusia County south. Name Phone City Size Other info; All Native Garden Center & Plant Nursery (239) 939-9663: Fort Myers: g: 91: Florida Native Plants Nursery & Landscaping (941) 322-1915 It's especially nice combined with other plants with silvery foliage and those with pink, yellow or white flowers. Exposure: Part sun to shade. Native Plumbago - Plumbago scandens Florida's only native plumbago, (Plumbago scandens), is a sprawling sub-shrub native to coastal hammocks from south-central to south Florida. Plants in north-central Florida quickly recover in the spring following a killing freeze. The names plumbago and leadwort have been passed down through history from an ancient Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder. In North Florida, plumbago flowers from spring to fall. Native Range: Southern U.S. to Tropical America. Plumbago is a perfect plant for low growing hedges or a nice backdrop for… Read More Bury 2- to 6-inch-long cuttings horizontally under 1/2 inch of rooting medium. It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators (Florida wildflower Foundation) including ants and bees (IRC). Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is an outstanding, long-lived groundcover that slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of fall color. USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures. It is not as showy as the commonly grown introduced plumbago. They contrast nicely against the foliage of oblong leaves, 4 in. This small rambling shrub offers up a bounty of blue flower clusters irresistible to both butterflies and gardeners. Its clusters of cool blue or white flowers are unmatched and make it a favorite among traditional garden selections. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. ... WILD PLUMBAGO (Plumbago scandens) Grows to maximum 3ft. Understory shrub or use a group as a groundcover in a shady setting. Blooming year-round, with a short break during the hottest days of summer, the blossoms are particularly attractive to butterflies. Although the genus Plumbago contains a dozen or more species, two are most frequently found in Florida: Plumbago auriculata and Plumbago zeylanica (also called P. scandens). It’s name means lead in Latin (the Plumbago auriculata plant was once used to treat lead poisoning). Plumbago’s phlox-like blue or white flowers attract butterflies and give off a pleasant fragrance. Plumbago zeylanica is our Florida-native white plumbago, found from USDA Hardiness zone 9B to 11. This is an excellent evergreen ground cover for that natural Florida look. © 2002-2021 Copyright: Florida Native Plant Society. Quantity. Plumbago also looks attractive as a specimen if located in a low ground cover. For the green thumbs and garden-dreamers alike, every month we’ll highlight a UF / IFAS feature plant that deserves a spotlight in Florida-friendly gardening. Pruning will keep them more compact but they look their best planted with room to grow. This species has a pan-tropical distribution. Credit: UF/IFAS. Disturbed areas in tropical hammocks (needs light) and pine rocklands. P. auriculata is the classic blue plumbago; it's non-native, but Florida-Friendly. Both species of plumbago develop sprawling, mounded shapes. Growth is sprawling. It is present in Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands (Kartesz, 1999). White Plumbago 4" pot. Family: Plumbaginaceae. Plumbago foliage is bright green, of medium density, and remains evergreen in frost-free areas of the state. Plumbago has no major diseases of concern but alkaline (high pH) soil can result in mineral deficiencies and yellowing leaves. Hardiness: Zones 9–11 Lifespan: Perennial Soil: Moist to very dry, well-drained sandy, loamy or calcareous soils Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Growth habit: 5–20’+ tall, 3–10’ wide The variety 'Alba' has white flowers. Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. Host to the … For more on native and Florida-Friendly plumbago species, contact your county Extension office. Plumbago is an easy-to-care-for shrub that brings interest to many Florida landscapes. I hear it also does well in Texas and the Southwest. Plumbago is a genus of 10–20 species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world. Click for a map. This shrub can flower year round with most flowers produced spring through fall. Plumbago scandense Wild Plumbago is naturally found along the coast from Volusia County south to the Keys and Collier, Lee, Manatee and Levy Counties inland. They can have a trailing or upright growth habit, depending on cultivar. From University of Florida (UF), Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences. Plumbago shrubs are evergreen perennials originally native to southern Africa, prized for their attractive flowers. In Florida it is rarely found in the disturbed sites of Hillsborough, Brevard, Martin and Lee counties (Wunderlin, 2003). A freeze may cause die-back, but plants generally recover quickly once the weather warms up in the spring. Take cuttings from the mature root (1/4- to 1/2-inch diameter) of a two- to three-year-old plumbago in late winter or early spring, says the University of Florida IFAS Extension. There's even a lesser-known white plumbago. Growth damaged by frost should be pruned off in spring. Dies back elsewhere; leafs out late in spring. To 4 feet or more high and wide. USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11. Plumbago is a native plant to Florida, and is also found in South Africa. It is a tender fast growing shrub and … It is sensitive to freezing temperatures and its range is restricted to areas that do not regularly get below the upper 20's F during the winter months. This species is grown primarily for its use as a butterfly plant. Plumbago auriculata is the classic blue plumbago, native to South Africa. While we can’t speak to any medicinal properties, this plant is a host for the larvae of the cassius blue butterfly (Leptotes cassius) and other lepidopterans. (Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat long very dry periods), Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Somewhat long very dry periods. The sprawling, fountain-shaped growth habit of plumbago. Plumbago is a flowering, perennial shrub. Plumbago zeylanica. The Blue Plumbago plant was originally discovered in the hot environment of South Africa and has since been introduced to mild climates around the world, including Florida, Texas, California, Australia, and Spain(University of Florida- Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences- … In Florida it is rarely found in the disturbed sites of Hillsborough, Brevard, Martin and Lee counties (Wunderlin, 2003). It is not as showy as the commonly grown introduced plumbago. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It is sometimes called doctorbush. The deep blue flowers are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall.