Dark Blue Plumbago

Dark Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata 'Dark Blue') is an evergreen shrub with deep blue flowers on glossy green foliage from spring to summer. It grows 2 to 3m high and about 2m wide, and adapts to hedging, wall training and free-form planting. The richer colour sets it apart from the standard blue plumbago.

Why you'll love it

• A deep, saturated blue. The flowers are darker and richer than the standard blue, so they hold their own against pale walls and silver foliage.
• Flexible in habit. Clip it as a formal hedge, espalier it against a wall, train it as a rambler or shape it as a topiary bush.
• Flowers from spring to summer. Clusters appear in abundance, and trimming after flowering encourages new growth and a fresh display.
• Sun and heat suit it. Full sun gives the best flowering, and the plant is drought tolerant once established.
• Evergreen glossy leaves. The foliage keeps a hedge or wall plant full all year.

Where it works best

Espaliered on a wall or fence. Plant 1m apart along the base and tie the stems to wires. The deep blue stands out against rendered walls and pale paint.

Formal flowering hedges. Clip to a shape after each flush. The plants form a solid hedge at the height you clip them to, with blue flowers across the surface.

Pergolas, arches and fences. Let it ramble up supports, where it needs very little attention beyond an annual tidy.

Growing Dark Blue Plumbago in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. Subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens all suit it. Frost is its weakness, so in cold districts plant it in a sheltered spot such as against a warm wall.

Soil. Give it drained, humus-rich ground. Wet feet do not suit it, so avoid low spots and heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water generously and mulch while it establishes. After that dry spells are no trouble. Feed twice a year with a controlled release product.

Pruning. Cut back after the flower flush for fresh growth and another round of blooms. The sap and sticky flower parts can irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dark Blue Plumbago as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, leafy plant, and flowering starts as it grows on. Plant it out soon after delivery, water it in and mulch the base.

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

• Hedging and screening plants
• Fast growing hedges for Aussie gardens
• Climbers for walls and pergolas
• More drought tolerant plants

Common questions

How is Dark Blue different from the standard blue?

The flowers are a deeper, richer blue. Growth, size and care are the same, so it suits the same hedges, walls and sunny spots.

Does it need frost protection?

Yes. Plumbago is not suited to hard frost. In cold districts plant it against a warm, sheltered wall, and expect tips to burn in the worst weather.

What soil does it need?

Free draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Wet, heavy ground causes problems, so build up the bed if you have clay.