Cape Leadwort

Plumbago

Plumbago auriculata
An evergreen, lax climbing tropical vine that is often used as a summer annual for patio containers and planters. In tropical climates, it can reach up to 3 x 5 feet in 2 years and the stems can eventually vine up to 33 feet in length. It can be grown as a shrub if cut back frequently.
The narrow oblong leaves are up to 3.2 inches in length. The foliage is glossy bright green.
The bright blue flowers, up to 1 inch wide, are borne on panicles during the summer ( all year in tropical climates ).
Hardy zones 9 to 12 in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from seed or also semi-ripe cuttings for cultivars.

* photo taken on Jan 4 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Deerfield B., FL

* photo taken on Jul 21 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 21 2017 in Columbia, MD

'Alba'
White flowers; otherwise identical.

'Imperial Blue'
A shrub up to 4 feet in height where used as an annual.
The flowers are bright blue.

* photo taken on May 14 2015 in Columbia, MD