Blue Plumbago

Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata 'Blue') is a versatile evergreen shrub that carries powdery blue flowers over glossy green foliage from spring to summer. It grows 2 to 3m high and about 2m wide, and can be clipped as a formal hedge, trained as a climber or left to sprawl. It loves the sun and becomes drought tolerant once established.

Why you'll love it

• Powdery blue flowers. They open in abundance through spring and summer, and give a cool, clear colour in hot weather.
• One plant, many shapes. Use it as a hedge, an espaliered wall plant, a trained rambler, a topiary bush or a free-form shrub.
• It likes a trim. Clipping after flowering encourages new growth and more flowers, so a hedge can also be a flowering feature.
• Tough in sun and heat. It thrives in full sun, copes with dry spells once established and is a common choice for coastal gardens.
• Glossy evergreen leaves. The foliage stays attractive between flowering flushes and keeps a hedge looking full.

Where it works best

Flowering hedges. Plant 80cm apart in a single row and clip after each flush of flowers. The plants join into a dense, blue-flowered hedge that you can hold at whatever height suits the site.

Walls, fences and pergolas. Tie in the long stems to wires or a trellis, and it will climb or espalier flat against a wall. It also scrambles over a pergola or arch with little attention.

Hot and coastal gardens. It suits sunny, dry or breezy sites where many flowering shrubs struggle.

Growing Blue Plumbago in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens. Protect it from frost, because cold burns the soft new growth, and in colder districts choose a sheltered spot against a warm wall.

Soil. Plant in soil that drains freely and is rich in organic matter. Compost at planting helps, and mulch keeps moisture in.

Water and feed. Mulch, and water deeply until the plant has settled in. After that it copes with dry spells. A controlled release fertiliser twice a year keeps it growing and flowering.

Pruning. Prune once the flowers have finished, which brings new growth and more blooms. Wear gloves, because the sticky flower parts and sap can irritate sensitive skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blue Plumbago as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small plant with a few shoots, not a shrub in flower. Plant it out soon after arrival, water it in well and mulch, and it will build up through the warm months.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp
• Hedging and screening plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• More climbing plants

Common questions

Can I grow it as a climber?

Yes. Plumbago has long flexible stems that you tie to wires or a trellis. Train it flat against a wall, or let it scramble over a pergola or arch.

How do I get a dense hedge?

Plant 80cm apart, clip after flowering and feed twice a year. Regular trimming keeps the plants branching from the base.

Is it safe for pets?

Not for pets that chew garden plants. The sap can irritate skin and the plant is mildly toxic if eaten, so site it where pets will not graze on it.