LATIN NAME: PLUMBAGO AURICULATA ‘IMPERIAL BLUE’

The Basics
Attractive, deep powder-blue flowers are the showpiece of the Imperial Blue Plumbago. It is an evergreen shrub to woody vine that is native to South Africa and has green, oval to spatula-shaped leaves with small ear-like (auricle = ear-shaped appendage) projections at the base. The leaves are alternate on thin, gracefully arching stems. Imperial Blue Plumbago blooms year round, except in coldest winters, bearing many five-petaled tubular blue blooms in round clusters at the ends of the branches. The flower bases and seed capsules are covered with sticky, gland tipped hairs and often hitch a ride with humans or pets. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and do not require deadheading.

The Needs
Amount of Sunlight: Full to Partial Sun
Amount of Water: Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Soil Conditions: Slightly acidic with good drainage
Cold Hardiness Zone: 8-11

The Care
It can be pruned into a compact mounded shrub or most attractively allowed to freely sprawl, vine and trail. However, harsh pruning shortens the plant’s lifespan and contributes to brown, stick-like growth and looks best when the branches have enough room to exhibit their cascading nature.