Cape Plumbago, Cape Leadwort
plumbago auriculata
Also known as: ["Plumbago capensis","Plumbago scandens"]
Overview
A vigorous, evergreen shrub or vine with clusters of bright blue flowers, native to South Africa.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Genus: | Plumbago |
| Botanical Name: | Plumbago auriculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; can be cut back by one-third to one-half for shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to direct sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh afternoon sun; supplement with grow lights if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); can tolerate brief dips to 30°F (-1°C) but thrives in warm conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or air vents; use a thermometer to monitor microclimates; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop feeding in late fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone powder or liquid is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of long or leggy stems, pinch tips to encourage branching, remove dead or diseased wood.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune at a 45-degree angle, remove crossing branches, clean up debris, apply fungicide if needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly, avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, trim roots if needed, water after repotting, acclimate to new conditions.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation to a depth of 6–8 inches, allow excess water to drain, water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use a cactus or succulent mix as a base.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors; cover with frost cloth if temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C); reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting or a pebble tray; water deeply in the morning.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during active growth, avoid winter feeding, flush periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to fall); dilute to half strength; avoid winter feeding.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Plumbago auriculata. The plumbagin content can cause discomfort but is not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Plumbago auriculata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of plumbagin. Symptoms are typically transient but should be monitored.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicPlumbago auriculata contains plumbagin, a compound that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The effects are generally not severe but can be uncomfortable.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Plumbago auriculata?
A: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Q: Does Plumbago attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Plumbago toxic to pets?
A: Mildly toxic if ingested; keep pets from chewing on leaves or flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plumbaginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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