Plumbago

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms)

Family

Plumbaginaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Plumbago

Species

auriculata

Description

An evergreen perennial shrub in temperate climates, it has a vine-like habit with slender, climbing stems. It flowers profusely from late spring through to summer and into autumn, producing terminal racemes bearing sky-blue flowers that lend a distinctive and unique touch to flowerbeds and borders, as well as to balconies and terraces in planters and pots.
When grown in sheltered areas where there is no waterlogging, it can withstand very low temperatures below 10 °C; however, it requires a warm, temperate climate to achieve its best vegetative growth.

Curiosities and special features

The common name ‘Piombaggine’ is derived from the botanical genus Plumbago, and may be linked to the blue colour of the flowers.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the range extending from Mozambique to South Africa.

Leaf

The leaves have an oblong, oval blade.

Leaf colour

plain light green, harmonising with the colour of the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 1.5 m, depending on its growth habit.

Lifespan

An evergreen perennial shrub in mild climates.

Where to plant

Versatile in its use, it is suitable as a shrub forflowerbeds, borders and planters, in outdoor flowerbeds or borders in temperate zones, in outdoor planters, and in flowerbeds in temperate zones, subject to the temperatures described in the relevant section.

Stem

The stems are slender and herbaceous, semi-woody.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small in size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It grows in medium-sized compound spike inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It attracts butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is bushy.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a soil pH of between 6.0 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

It is suitable for outdoor display on balconies or terraces in temperate climates, in full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

It requires a warm climate. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 25 °C. The temperature within which the plant can survive ranges from 8 to 45 °C.

In areas with harsh winters, it is advisable to bring the plant indoors if it is grown in a pot, whilst plants in beds should be protected with non-woven fabric.

Use

Thanks to its elegant flowers and well-developed habit, it is widely appreciated in:
Outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

Moderately hardy.

Soil

For growing in pots, use a high-quality potting mix specifically designed for spring-flowering plants.

In a flowerbed, the soil should be light, peaty and well-drained.

Difficulty

Easy to grow and requiring little maintenance, it is therefore all the more practical.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines to ensure better vegetative growth and full flowering:
Plants will not flower in low light Expose the plant to as much light as possible Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It prefers a warm, humid climate Bring the plant indoors when temperatures fall below 12°C, ensuring it receives plenty of light

Planting

Plant the trees in mid- to late spring, once the risk of frost has passed, ensuring the root ball is completely covered with soil. Given the size of the trees when fully grown, an average density of 2 trees per square metre is recommended.

Pruning

Prune lightly once flowering has finished to keep the plant looking tidier.

Propagation

Vegetative propagation takes place via apical cuttings and node cuttings.

Watering

Keep the growing medium or soil moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Water more frequently during the hottest months, whilst reducing watering in winter.

Fertilising

From mid-spring until autumn, starting two or three weeks after transplanting, apply a balanced, specialist fertiliser for flowering plants to the soil, diluting it in the watering water without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency; if grown in pots, apply a specific granular fertiliser to the potting mix during the same period.

Pet safety

Irritating and toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Irritating and toxic

Tip

We recommend buying these plants even though they are often not in bloom at the time of purchase – though they do come with a photo of the flower – as they will flower profusely as temperatures rise and the days grow longer. Avoid pruning them before they have flowered.