Plumbago auriculata

Cape Leadwort, Plumbago, Blue Plumbago

Colour

Sky blue is the most common, but also available in white and deep blue

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Krishna's Ananda

The Mother’s Comment

Manifold, abundant, and so full of charm

Colour

Pale lavender blue

Message of the Flower

Presence

The Mother’s Comment

Consciousness seeking for the presence.

Colour

Pure white

Family

Plumbaginaceae

Cultivars

Royal Cape' (deep blue flowers), 'Alba' (white flowers)

Person who named the flower

Lamarck

Flower Size

About 1 inch across

Flower Texture

Delicate

Number of Petals

Five

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Little to no fragrance

Leaf Texture

Smooth, somewhat sticky due to minute glandular hairs

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Medium to dark green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub, can be trained as a climbing plant

Life Cycle

Perennial in warm climates, annual in cooler areas

Blooming Period

Blooms year-round in warm climates, with peak flowering in summer and fall

Climate

Prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates

Water Requirements

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil; tolerant of a range of soil types

Temperature Ranges

Frost-sensitive; thrives in temperatures above 50F (10C)

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies under stress; root rot in poorly drained soils

Pollinators

Attracts butterflies and other pollinators

Habitat

Native to South Africa

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators

Ornamental

Highly valued for landscaping, hedges, and as a container plant

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered

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