Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)

Plumbago Plant Features

Gardeners everywhere find it easy to fall in love with plumbago, a tropical flowering shrub that blooms nonstop and produces clusters of sky-blue flowers -- one of the rarest colors in the flower world. Hardy in Zones 9 and 10, plumbago typically grows about 6 feet tall, making it a favorite foundation planting in the tropics. It mixes well with other shrubs in landscape beds and borders, and even thrives in large containers. Plumbago has also become a must-have plant for butterfly gardens. 

Because plumbago flowers practically nonstop and is so easily to grow, this tropical has found its way North and frequently used throughout the country as a container-garden plant or annual in areas that experience frosty temperatures over winter. It's lovely by itself, but mixes beautifully with other plants, as well -- especially those with big, coarse textures and contrasting colors. 

Plumbago Questions?
Just email us! Our flowering shrub experts are happy to try to help. 

Plumbago Growing Instructions

Grow plumbago in full sun or light shade. It can tolerate fairly dense shade, but doesn't bloom well -- if at all -- without the sun. 

Water plumbago during extended dry spells; it's quite drought tolerant. That said, this flowering shrub will grow fastest and bloom best if it's watered regularly through the season. 

You typically don't need to worry about fertilizing plumbago if you grow it in landscape beds and borders (either as an annual or perennial). If you grow it in container gardens, it is best to fertilize regularly with a general-purpose fertilizer. Follow the directions on the packaging and apply the fertilizer in the spring and summer months.

You can prune plumbago any time of the year. 

Note: Plumbago attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, but is not intended for either human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Blue

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Plumbago

Allamanda
Blue and yellow are a classic color combo. Add it to your yard with yellow allamanda and blue plumbago.

Firebush
Firebush is an easy-care plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, just like plumbago. They're ideal partners in the garden or large containers.

Cape Honeysuckle
Make your yard a magnet to butterflies by growing plumbago with cape honeysuckle!

Bulbine
Bulbine is a no-fuss, sun-loving succulent that thrives in the same conditions as plumbago. They look great together, too!