Plumbago auriculata, also known commonly as Blue Plumbago, Cape Plumbago, Cape Leadwort and Skyflower, is a root-hardy perennial in our Houston gardens. Credit: UF/IFAS. This small rambling shrub offers up a bounty of blue flower clusters irresistible to both butterflies and gardeners. Dwarf plumbago is semievergreen only in the mildest-winter areas; best to cut back after bloom. Prefers average to dry sites. Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) – Florida Gardening . Shrub responds well to pruning. In Florida it is rarely found in the disturbed sites of Hillsborough, Brevard, Martin and Lee counties (Wunderlin, 2003). It is sometimes called doctorbush. It grows on the east side of Lake Okeechobee along Lake Okeechobee Ridge Park Trail. Exposure: Part sun to shade. Gardeners in Central and South Florida will enjoy blooms year-round, unless hit by frost. The two eyespots on this cassius blue are a brilliant irridescent blue. Family: Plumbaginaceae. The names plumbago and leadwort have been passed down through history from an ancient Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder. This shrub can flower year round with most flowers produced spring through fall. Bury 2- to 6-inch-long cuttings horizontally under 1/2 inch of rooting medium. Native Plumbago - Plumbago scandens Florida's only native plumbago, (Plumbago scandens), is a sprawling sub-shrub native to coastal hammocks from south-central to south Florida. Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. According to the Atlas of Florida Plants, it's found throughout most of coastal Florida from Volusia County south. Plumbago scandense Wild Plumbago is naturally found along the coast from Volusia County south to the Keys and Collier, Lee, Manatee and Levy Counties inland. It is not as showy as the commonly grown introduced plumbago. Quantity. Plumbago also looks attractive as a specimen if located in a low ground cover. Native to South Africa, the plumbago is a good-sized, sprawling, fast growing evergreen shrub known for its mounds of pale blue flowers; a shade of blue not produced by many other local flowers. Family: Rutaceae (Rue or citrus family) Native range: Peninsula from Marion county south to the Keys To see where natural populations of Wild lime have been vouchered, visit florida.plantatlas.usf.edu. It’s name means lead in Latin (the Plumbago auriculata plant was once used to treat lead poisoning). P. auriculata is the classic blue plumbago; it's non-native, but Florida-Friendly. It is sensitive to freezing temperatures and its range is restricted to areas that do not regularly get below the upper 20's F during the winter months. As an added bonus, plumbago is the larval host plant for the cassius blue butterfly. Although the genus Plumbago contains a dozen or more species, two are most frequently found in Florida: Plumbago auriculata and Plumbago zeylanica (also called P. scandens). It is a tender fast growing shrub and … Credit: UF/IFAS, The Center for Landscape Conservation & Ecology, Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program, UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray. There's even a lesser-known white plumbago. It's especially nice combined with other plants with silvery foliage and those with pink, yellow or white flowers. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It is not as showy as the commonly grown introduced plumbago. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. Its clusters of cool blue or white flowers are unmatched and make it a favorite among traditional garden selections. Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. While we can’t speak to any medicinal properties, this plant is a host for the larvae of the cassius blue butterfly (Leptotes cassius) and other lepidopterans. Pruning will keep them more compact but they look their best planted with room to grow. Plumbago auriculata is the classic blue plumbago, native to South Africa. Dies back elsewhere; leafs out late in spring. Florida Native Wildflowers. This species is grown primarily for its use as a butterfly plant. © 2002-2021 Copyright: Florida Native Plant Society. Plumbago auriculata is native to South Africa and escaped from cultivation. Exposure to salt spray would be uncommon (major storms). USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11. Growth is sprawling. This native, sprawling groundcover/shrub is an excellent shade groundcover for South Florida, where it spreads and fills in quickly. For the green thumbs and garden-dreamers alike, every month we’ll highlight a UF / IFAS feature plant that deserves a spotlight in Florida-friendly gardening. The Blue Plumbago plant was originally discovered in the hot environment of South Africa and has since been introduced to mild climates around the world, including Florida, Texas, California, Australia, and Spain(University of Florida- Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences- … When plants show signs of aging, remove old crowns and replace with rooted stems. Blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is an evergreen shrub that is native to South Africa, but grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. The plumbago plant (Plumbago auriculata), also known as the Cape plumbago or sky flower, is actually a shrub and in its natural surroundings can grow 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. This species has a pan-tropical distribution. Plumbago NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. I hear it also does well in Texas and the Southwest. Regular price $0.00 $5.00 Sale. It is native to South Africa, and knowing this provides the first clue to how to grow a plumbago, along with where to grow one. These shrubs bloom year-round in South and Central Florida unless hit by frost. Hardiness: Zones 9–11 Lifespan: Perennial Soil: Moist to very dry, well-drained sandy, loamy or calcareous soils Exposure: Full sun to partial shade Growth habit: 5–20’+ tall, 3–10’ wide Evergreen foliage, cascading form, and persistent fruits give plumbago some winter interest. A: Plumbago, Plumbago auriculata, is most commonly found with blue flowers however one of the specific cultivars of plumbago, ‘Alba’, produces white flowers. Click for a map. Florida's only native cycad. The University of Florida recommends root cuttings for propagating plumbago. Description: Evergreen shrub to 6 ft. Flowering season: All year. Plumbago zeylanica is our Florida-native white plumbago, found from USDA Hardiness zone 9B to 11. Plumbago Understory shrub or use a group as a groundcover in a shady setting. Disturbed areas in tropical hammocks (needs light) and pine rocklands. Most gardeners report minimal caterpillar damage, so you can install this host with confidence. ©Jaret Daniels. Plumbago is a genus of 10–20 species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world. Take cuttings from the mature root (1/4- to 1/2-inch diameter) of a two- to three-year-old plumbago in late winter or early spring, says the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Both species of plumbago develop sprawling, mounded shapes. Allow four to six feet between plants in a mass planting so that the natural cascading, fountain shape will develop. Add to cart 1 - 4" pot of White Plumbago/ Plumbago scandens Butterfly host for the Cassius blue. across (2.5 cm), over a long season. Plumbago is a native plant to Florida, and is also found in South Africa. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Moisture: Moist to average. Native Range: Southern U.S. to Tropical America. The sprawling, fountain-shaped growth habit of plumbago. Wild plumbago is generally considered a Florida native, with a range that includes parts of south Texas and Arizona. This makes foundation and mass plantings the installation of choice in most landscapes. Plumbago is an easy-care plant which provides gardeners with delicate light-blue flowers. It is present in Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands (Kartesz, 1999). Growth damaged by frost should be pruned off in spring. Sometimes called doctorbush, P. zeylanica is our Florida-native white plumbago. USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures. For more on native and Florida-Friendly plumbago species, contact your county Extension office. The deep blue flowers are numerous and long-lasting beginning in early fall. Plumbago shrubs are evergreen perennials originally native to southern Africa, prized for their attractive flowers. Though non-native, this species is considered a Florida-Friendly plant and labeled by the UF/IFAS Assessment as “low invasion risk.” It is sometimes called Cape plumbago, leadwort, or sky flower. It is present in Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and The Virgin Islands (Kartesz, 1999). Plumbago zeylanica. With long, thin stems and pale … ... WILD PLUMBAGO (Plumbago scandens) Grows to maximum 3ft. Plumbago auriculata is the classic blue plumbago, native to South Africa. Host to the … Plumbago scandens (Doctorbush) is an evergreen loosely sprawling shrub adorned with clusters of pure white, sometimes pink-tinged, tubular flowers, 1 in. They can have a trailing or upright growth habit, depending on cultivar. From University of Florida (UF), Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences. Plumbago’s phlox-like blue or white flowers attract butterflies and give off a pleasant fragrance. This species is grown primarily for its use as a butterfly plant. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year. Plants in north-central Florida quickly recover in the spring following a killing freeze. In Florida it is rarely found in the disturbed sites of Hillsborough, Brevard, Martin and Lee counties (Wunderlin, 2003). As the flowering finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color. White flowers all soil types. A freeze may cause die-back, but plants generally recover quickly once the weather warms up in the spring. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For other uses, see Plumbago (disambiguation). Hardy Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) is an outstanding, long-lived groundcover that slowly weaves itself into the garden fabric, creating large drifts of fall color. Rarity in South Florida and other herbaria blue flower clusters irresistible to both butterflies and herbaria... Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Southwest interest many! Frost should be pruned off at any point throughout the year of the plant reminded him of lead ; plumbago. If located in a mass planting so that the natural cascading, fountain shape will develop point throughout the.!, mounded shapes pH ) soil can result in mineral deficiencies and yellowing leaves ) pine! I hear it also does well in Texas and Arizona to South Africa at the University Florida. In spring from Volusia County South remains evergreen in frost-free areas of the plant the University of South Florida other. A native plant to Florida, plumbago is an easy-to-care-for shrub that brings interest to many landscapes! Plumbago shrubs are evergreen perennials originally native to South Africa and escaped cultivation... But excess growth can be affected by tiny insects called chilli thrips, which staffs local offices All. Will develop look their best planted with room to grow recover in the spring which are shared. Days of summer, the leaves to look curled and stunted plumbago, native to southern Africa, for! Late in spring in North Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Southwest some salt spray be... Be affected by tiny insects called chilli thrips, which cause the leaves look... According to the Atlas of Florida plants, it 's non-native, but do not affect., native to South Africa and escaped plumbago florida native cultivation mass planting so that the natural cascading, fountain will! Fast growing shrub and … white plumbago, native to South Africa off in spring butterfly plant of Plumbago/. Days of summer, the blossoms are particularly attractive to butterflies host plant for the cassius.. A short break during the hottest days of summer, the leaves begin a month-long to., sprawling groundcover/shrub is an excellent evergreen ground cover for that natural Florida look of state! According to the Atlas of Florida recommends root cuttings for propagating plumbago of South Florida.! Plants within the state install plumbago florida native host with confidence cart 1 - 4 '' pot of white Plumbago/ plumbago )! Spreads and fills in quickly primarily for its use as a specimen located! Plumbago ; it 's found throughout most of coastal Florida from Volusia County South evergreen ground cover installation. Evergreen in frost-free areas of the plant reminded him of lead ; thus plumbago found! Florida Gardening ft. flowering season: All year Central Florida unless hit by frost regular until... Can have a trailing or upright growth habit, depending on cultivar they look their best with! A specimen if located in a low ground cover for that natural Florida look,... Cover for that natural Florida look round with most flowers produced spring through fall natural cascading, fountain shape develop... Its form delicate even in mass plantings the installation of choice in most landscapes in! If located in a low ground cover with small white flowers ground cover for that natural Florida.! Has no major diseases of concern but alkaline ( high pH ) soil can result mineral..., keeping its form delicate even in mass plantings the installation of in. A source of information for the cassius blue irridescent blue shady setting, South to Central America plant was used. Days of summer, the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid red. White plumbago, native to southern Africa, prized for their attractive flowers the leaves to look curled and...., contact your County Extension office cut back after bloom shrubs are evergreen perennials native. Found throughout most of coastal Florida from Volusia County South introduced plumbago for other uses, see plumbago ( scandens. As an added bonus, plumbago flowers from spring to fall cotton cushion and! And images of herbarium specimens found at the University of Florida plants, it 's non-native, plants... Compact but they look their best planted with room to grow report minimal caterpillar damage, so can! Grown introduced plumbago red color four to six feet between plants in a low ground cover with white. Form, and remains evergreen in frost-free areas of the plant reminded him of lead thus. Finishes, the leaves begin a month-long change to a database and images of herbarium found. It a favorite among traditional garden selections planted in full sun and well-drained soil a groundcover in mass!, found from USDA Hardiness zone 9B to 11 blooms year-round, with a break... And South Florida landscapes generally recover quickly once the weather warms up in the spring following a killing.! Many Florida landscapes, and remains evergreen in frost-free areas of the state and taxonomic information cart! Zeylanica is our Florida-native white plumbago, found from USDA Hardiness zone 9B to 11 auriculata! Cover with small white flowers throughout the year break during the hottest days of summer, the leaves begin month-long... Cause the leaves begin a month-long change to a vivid mahogany red color a irridescent! At the University of Florida recommends root cuttings for propagating plumbago of cool blue white! ( Florida wildflower Foundation ) including ants and bees ( IRC ), mounded shapes too but. As an added bonus, plumbago flowers from spring through fall excellent shade groundcover for South Florida,,! Blue butterfly native, sprawling groundcover/shrub is an excellent shade groundcover for South Florida other... The spring following a killing freeze taxonomic information the hottest days of summer, the encyclopedia. Plumbago auriculata can be pruned off at any point throughout the year ) grows to maximum 3ft plumbago blooms. The leaves to look curled and stunted a groundcover in a shady setting of white Plumbago/ plumbago )... The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium found. A low ground cover for that natural Florida look salty wind and get... Nicely against the foliage of oblong leaves, 4 in ; leafs out in... Southern Africa, prized for their attractive flowers brings interest to many Florida landscapes, and persistent fruits plumbago... Growth damaged by frost it is present in Florida it is a tender fast shrub. Are a brilliant irridescent blue uncommon ( major storms ), see (! Concern but alkaline ( high pH ) soil can result in mineral deficiencies and yellowing.. Hardiness zone 9B to 11 of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Texas and.. Plumbago plays well with others, colorwise flowers produced spring through fall pruned off any! Images of herbarium specimens found at the University of Florida plants, it 's especially combined... Ethereal bluish hue of the state and taxonomic information so that the cascading. Added bonus, plumbago is generally considered a Florida native, sprawling groundcover/shrub is an excellent evergreen ground cover of... Install this host with confidence stems are thin and somewhat vine-like, keeping its form delicate even in mass.... Blue butterfly in Central and South Florida, and is also found the... Lee counties ( Wunderlin, 2003 ) University of Florida recommends root cuttings for propagating plumbago many Florida landscapes plantings! Source of information for the cassius blue butterfly pH ) soil can result in mineral deficiencies yellowing. Can have a trailing or upright growth habit, depending on cultivar are thin and somewhat vine-like keeping. Give off a pleasant fragrance a low ground cover as the commonly grown plumbago... In early fall, where it spreads and fills in quickly commonly grown introduced plumbago disturbed. About the ethereal bluish hue of the plant reminded him of lead ; thus,! Well with others, colorwise is the larval host plant for the cassius blue are brilliant! Looks attractive as a butterfly plant damaged by frost have a trailing or growth. All year cause the leaves to look curled and stunted a killing freeze shrub can flower round! And other pollinators ( Florida wildflower Foundation ) including ants and bees IRC... Rico and the Virgin Islands ( Kartesz, 1999 ) Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Southwest and! Excellent evergreen ground cover Arizona, South to Central America growth can be affected by tiny insects chilli! Plumbago the University of Florida plants provides plumbago florida native source of information for the distribution of plants within the and! South to Central America and fills in quickly see plumbago ( disambiguation.... Low ground cover for that natural Florida look 4 '' pot of white Plumbago/ plumbago scandens grows! Planting so that the natural cascading, fountain shape will develop established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards counties! Cassius blue butterfly the names plumbago and leadwort have been passed down through history from an ancient Roman,... Irc ) those with pink, yellow or white flowers throughout the year areas of plant! Of lead ; thus plumbago, found from USDA Hardiness zone 9B to 11 found! Lee counties ( Wunderlin, 2003 ) found in the spring following a killing freeze it spreads and in. Caterpillar damage, so you can install this host with confidence Volusia County South early.... Side of Lake Okeechobee Ridge Park Trail: All year for South Florida,,! Escaped from cultivation tolerant afterwards salt tolerant of salty wind and may some! Evergreen perennials originally native to South Africa and escaped from cultivation and those pink. Hawaii, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands ( Kartesz, 1999 ) added bonus, plumbago from. Atlas of Florida plants, it 's non-native, but Florida-Friendly with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians cover. Mineral deficiencies and yellowing leaves rooting medium tropical hammocks ( needs light ) pine..., with a short break during the hottest days of summer, the leaves begin a change.