{"product_id":"blue-plumbago-plumbago-auriculata-blue","title":"Blue Plumbago - Plumbago auriculata 'Blue'","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlue Plumbago (\u003cem\u003ePlumbago auriculata\u003c\/em\u003e '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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowdery blue flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e They open in abundance through spring and summer, and give a cool, clear colour in hot weather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne plant, many shapes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it as a hedge, an espaliered wall plant, a trained rambler, a topiary bush or a free-form shrub.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIt likes a trim.\u003c\/strong\u003e Clipping after flowering encourages new growth and more flowers, so a hedge can also be a flowering feature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTough in sun and heat.\u003c\/strong\u003e It thrives in full sun, copes with dry spells once established and is a common choice for coastal gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlossy evergreen leaves.\u003c\/strong\u003e The foliage stays attractive between flowering flushes and keeps a hedge looking full.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering hedges.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWalls, fences and pergolas.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHot and coastal gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It suits sunny, dry or breezy sites where many flowering shrubs struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Blue Plumbago in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in soil that drains freely and is rich in organic matter. Compost at planting helps, and mulch keeps moisture in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/how-to-create-a-great-hedge-and-keep-it-looking-sharp\"\u003eHow to create a great hedge and keep it sharp\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/hedging-screening\"\u003eHedging and screening plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coastal-salt-tolerant-plants\"\u003eCoastal and salt tolerant plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/climbers\"\u003eMore climbing plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it as a climber?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get a dense hedge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant 80cm apart, clip after flowering and feed twice a year. Regular trimming keeps the plants branching from the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube","offer_id":67789622018367,"sku":"PLU-AUR-BLUE-tube","price":11.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/blue-plumbago-plumbago-auriculata-blue.jpg?v=1792191385","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/blue-plumbago-plumbago-auriculata-blue","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}