Plumbago auriculata: Versatile Cape Leadwort for Blue Flowers and Evergreen Foliage

Cape Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata) is a South African evergreen shrub with long, slender stems and phlox-like pale blue flowers. Versatile as a shrub, climber, container plant, or groundcover, it reaches 1–3 feet tall and wide with a moderate growth rate. Barbed fruit capsules add interest. This plant adapts to indoor and outdoor culture.

Growing Conditions

Outdoors, plant in fertile soil in full sun; tie stems to supports if grown on a trellis. Protect from strong winds. Indoors, water freely and fertilize monthly during growth. Move pots outdoors in summer if desired. Propagate from seed (sown at 55–64°F in spring, takes 2 years to flower) or root semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer with bottom heat. Watch for spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs, especially indoors.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Pace: Moderate
• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Characteristics: Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit
• Bloom Time: Summer, Fall
• Flower Color: Blue
• Foliage Color: Evergreen
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Containers, Indoor, Annual, Trellis
• Type: Shrubs