Plumbago

November 25, 2024 Post a Comment

Plumbago

Plumbago only requires pruning to control its size. Flowering is dependable without pruning and tends to cycle; the blooms appear less often in the hot, rainy summer, or cold winter. The 30% rule is an excellent place to start pruning; remove by hand only the branched needed to keep the plant inbounds.

How do you keep plumbago blooming?

For the best growth and an abundant blooming, add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming.

How long do plumbago flowers last?

Cape Plumbago grows to a height of 3.0m, with a spread of 1.5m. It is fast growing, taking six months to one year to reach its mature size. Its flowers bloom from May to October.

Is plumbago toxic?

Plumbago auriculata irritates skin, irritates eyes, is harmful if ingested, causes an upset stomach and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its fruit, bark, pollen, seeds, roots, seed capsules, foliage and sap are toxic.

How do I winterize my plumbago?

The ideal overwintering conditions are in greenhouses with temperatures from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep a plant going over the winter, whether you have a greenhouse or not, be very careful with watering. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings, then give it a good soak.

Does plumbago lose its leaves in winter?

Plumbago will typically bloom spring through fall but can often bloom through mild winters. In colder winter seasons, plants will drop their leaves or even die down to the ground, but re-emerge from the roots the following spring.

Does plumbago bloom all summer?

Plumbago shrubs need plenty of room. It will grow as an evergreen shrub and makes an excellent foundation plant. It is beautiful when planted over a stone or wood retaining wall, allowing its branches to cascade over in a waterfall of foliage and unusual blue flowers—and it will bloom all year long.

Is plumbago invasive?

It is an aggressive spreader by underground rhizomes, but it is not invasive. Try it under shrubs or in containers to spill over the side. The mat formed has shiny, leathery green leaves. In late summer through fall, the plant becomes an eye-catcher.

What time of year does plumbago bloom?

The flowers start in June and July and carry on until autumn if you keep feeding and potting them on. These are greedy plants which relish the attention you give them. The flowers are in dense terminal clusters or corymbs of 10 to 15 individual tubed sky blue or pure white flowers.

Will plumbago survive a hard freeze?

A: The tops could burn during freezing temperatures, but the roots should be OK with moist soil and a blanket of mulch. If you wish to protect the tops, cover with a blanket.

Do plumbago plants freeze?

Blue Plumbago, Plumbago auriculata, typically freezes to the ground in this area and returns in the spring. The plant should live for many years. However, it tends to get sparse and leggy in areas where it does not freeze back to the ground each winter.

Does plumbago stay green in winter?

In addition, its 2-inch light-green oblong leaves are evergreen and stay the same color in winter, providing an attractive, year-round frame for its fragrant, phlox-like clusters of 1-inch-diameter, sky-blue flowers.

Are plumbago toxic to dogs?

Dried specimen of Plumbago auriculata: flower, leaves and stem. The plant in its natural form was a putative cause of vesicular lesions in a dog following likely contact.

Do plumbago have invasive roots?

To winter over in cooler climates, provide a light winter mulch. Plant it in rocky areas in full sun. Space plants 10 to 16 inches apart when you plant. The plant has an aggressive root system and can spread freely, however is not considered invasive.

Can you keep plumbago short?

It seems your particular shrub didn't read the article (UF/EDAS Publication #FPS487). When our winter temperatures drop to the mid-20s, this plant typically dies back to the ground, then quickly grows back in spring. You can safely trim plumbago's excessive growth at any time of the year.

What do I plant in front of plumbago?

Complement your Plumbago with these varieties:

Allamanda. Blue and yellow are a classic color combo.
Bulbine. Bulbine is a no-fuss, sun-loving succulent that thrives in the same conditions as plumbago. ...
Cape Honeysuckle. Make your yard a magnet to butterflies by growing plumbago with cape honeysuckle!
Firebush.

How cold can blue plumbago tolerate?

Plumbago zeylanica is cold-tolerant down to ten degrees. It is drought-tolerant once established though performs best with regular watering and sunshine. This plant reaches 3- to 4-feet tall. Plumbago zeylanica plant is a butterfly magnet, blooming constantly from spring to fall.

How big does plumbago get?

Plumbago grows fast and has the potential to reach 6-10 feet tall and wide, although these plants are typically smaller in North Florida landscapes. Plants die back to the ground after a freeze, but are typically quick to recover in spring, growing back from the roots.

Where should I plant my plumbago?

It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year.

Does plumbago multiply?

Plumbago propagation through cuttings Cuttings are a great way to multiply your plumbago. The advantage of cuttings is that you get the exact same type of plant as the mother plant. There's no change in genetic material, the new plant is an exact clone. Perfect to keep that beautiful blooming!