About
Plumbago auriculata, Cape leadwort, is an evergreen, scrambling shrub with slender stems to 4 m or more and light-green, spoon-shaped leaves. From summer through to autumn it produces terminal racemes of sky-blue, salver-shaped flowers 15 mm across with a long, sticky tube. One of the most popular and floriferous of all frost-free conservatory climbers.
About the genus
Plumbago are annuals, perennials or scrambling evergreen shrubs with simple leaves and terminal racemes of salver-shaped, five-lobed flowers in blue, white or pink. Popular plants for frost-free gardens and heated conservatories.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitClimbing, Bushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toS Africa
ToxicitySkin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. 13334,plumeria-obtusa,Plumeria obtusa,,Plumeria obtusa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light, water freely when in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly . Keep barely moist when dormant and top-dress or repot in spring. Support stems. Can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas in fertile soil. May need restrictive pruning under glass
PruningPruning group 12 in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C in spring, or take semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free