Plumbago auriculata is a scrambling shrub that grows to a height of 3 m with a spread of 3 m. Although it is not a tree, this pretty shrub is utilised in many home gardens and urban landscapes as an ornamental feature.
The leaves of Plumbago auriculata are thin and bright green in colour, maturing to a darker green. Main flowering takes place between November and May, but flowers are often found during other times of the year. The flowers appear in trusses and the most common colour is a pale sky blue. Darker blue and even white variants are also available from nurseries. The flower calyx has sticky, gland-tipped hairs and children often pick the flowers to use as earrings! Seed capsules follow the flowers and are also coated in a sticky substance to enhance the dispersing of seeds.
Fast growing and drought resistant, Plumbago auriculata makes a very good informal or formal hedge and can be planted in the sun or semi-shade and is virtually disease-free. . It responds well to pruning and will flower even more profusely after being cut back. This shrub is sensitive to severe frost, but will bounce back quickly if damaged during cold spells. It is known to grow up into trees, looking for sun if placed in a very shady position. It will also scramble over an embankment.
Plumbago auriculata is a colourful shrub that will attract insects and butterflies to your garden.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.