Showing posts with label Plumbago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plumbago. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

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