Family: Plumbaginaceae
Native to South Africa, Plumbago, or Cape leadwort, thrives in dry conditions. It was “discovered” by the Dutch East India Company and dispersed along their shipping routes, eventually becoming a standard in European gardens. The common name Cape leadwort and the genus name Plumbago refers to the plants’ ability to cure lead poisoning.
Plumbago is a sprawling shrub somewhere in between a vine and a bush. It should stay under 10 feet tall. Keep trimmed to induce flowering and to reduce leggy growth. Single flowers consist of 5 petals atop a long tube, growing in clusters on the terminal ends. Flowers have sticky glands, perfect for fresh flower stick-on earrings!
It makes a beautiful informal hedge, formal hedge, garden filler, trellis climber, and screening. A favorite for bees and butterflies, brilliant blue flowers are always on display among the evergreen leaves. A perfect plant for xeriscape gardens and other dry areas, it is drought tolerant once established.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Fragrant
- Hedge
- Indoor plant
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
Plant Dangers:
- Allergenic
- Toxic to animals and humans
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability (grows in regions with tropical, Mediterranean, and seasonally in temperate climates)
- Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and in several other locations worldwide
- Other Plumbago species may be invasive weeds
- Reported to be toxic to animals under certain conditions
- Potentially toxic or allergenic to people
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by suckers
- Reaches maturity in 2 years.
- Sticky seed capsules aid in dispersal of seeds by animals and possibly people
- Tolerates and resprouts after heavy pruning, cutting or top kill
Low Risk Traits:
- Not reported to have negative impacts where naturalized or cultivated
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to browsing animals (despite reports of toxicity)
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Self-incompatible
- Low natural seed set
