Blue Plumbago

Sold Out *BEST SELLER*

*Ships 1-3 Days

Size
$38.00

$1500+, SAVEMORE20 for 20% off
$3000+, SAVEMORE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

 

The Blue Plumbago, known for its vibrant blue clusters of flowers, creates a stunning display of color in gardens and containers. With its sprawling habit and lush green foliage, this plant adds a splash of brilliance and a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

  • Botanical name: Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue'
  • Bloom time: Summer to Fall
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary depending on climate and the plant’s establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11; thrives in warm climates with well-draining soil

Note: The Blue Plumbago may experience reduced blooming in colder temperatures or during drought conditions. Ensure it receives adequate water and warmth to maintain its vibrant display.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Blue Plumbago, scientifically known as Plumbago auriculata 'Imperial Blue', is a mesmerizing perennial revered for its vibrant sky-blue flowers that offer an irresistible allure to butterflies and pollinators alike. Adaptable and low-maintenance, Blue Plumbago thrives in a variety of climates and offers continuous blooms throughout the growing season. Ideal for borders, containers, or as a standalone focal point, this plant is a must-have for any gardener aiming to inject a bold splash of color into their outdoor oasis.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate to fast growth rate; reaches a mature height and spread of 3-5 feet.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Blue Plumbago requires regular watering during its first growing season and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. It's an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a drought-tolerant plant that provides vibrant color and visual interest.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy foliage and abundant blooms.

Winter Protection: In cooler zones, protect with mulch or bring container-grown plants indoors during winter.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location with well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Plant the Plumbago, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 3-5 feet apart to allow for spreading.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 9-11

Blue Plumbago is best suited for USDA Zones 9-11 as a perennial but can be grown as an annual in cooler zones. It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, preferring well-drained soil. This plant adapts to a variety of conditions, including coastal environments, making it a versatile choice for different landscape designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Plumbago is a moderately sized shrub that typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread. However, in ideal conditions, it can sometimes grow slightly taller. It has a bushy and spreading growth habit, and its overall size can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil quality, and pruning practices. It's often used as a shrub or ground cover in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive blue flowers and lush green foliage.

Blue Plumbago is known for its relatively fast growth rate. Under favorable growing conditions, it can grow at a moderate to rapid pace, often reaching its mature size within a few years. The exact rate of growth can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil quality, and care provided. With proper care, you can expect Blue Plumbago to establish itself and start growing vigorously in your garden.

Yes, Blue Plumbago has a spreading growth habit. It tends to send out runners or stems that root and establish new plants nearby. This can make it a great choice for ground cover or as a border plant in your garden. However, you should be aware that its spreading nature means it can become invasive in certain conditions and may require some maintenance to keep it in check.

To control its spread, you can trim or prune the plant as needed, removing any unwanted stems or runners. Regular pruning can also help maintain a more compact and tidy appearance. Overall, Blue Plumbago is a versatile and attractive plant that can add beauty to your garden, but it's important to monitor its growth to prevent it from becoming overly invasive.

Blue Plumbago is known for its prolific and extended flowering season. It typically blooms from late spring or early summer through the fall, providing a long-lasting display of beautiful blue flowers. In some climates, it may even produce flowers year-round if conditions are favorable.

The exact bloom frequency can vary depending on factors such as climate, sunlight, temperature, and care. In warmer regions with mild winters, Blue Plumbago may continue to bloom throughout the year, while in cooler climates, it may have a more defined blooming period during the growing season.

To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead or remove spent flowers regularly. This practice can stimulate the plant to produce more blooms and maintain an attractive appearance. Overall, Blue Plumbago is a reliable and low-maintenance plant that can provide a splash of color for an extended period in your garden.

Blue Plumbago thrives in a variety of garden settings and is known for its versatility. Here are some guidelines for planting it:

Sunlight: Blue Plumbago does best in full sun to partial shade. It will produce more flowers in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.

Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for Blue Plumbago. It prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering: While established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, it's important to provide consistent moisture, especially during the growing season and dry spells. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Space: When planting Blue Plumbago, space them about 2 to 3 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and prevents overcrowding.

Container Growing: Blue Plumbago can also be grown in containers or pots, which is a great option for those with limited garden space or in regions with colder winters. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

Support: If you want to train Blue Plumbago to grow on a trellis, fence, or other support structure, it's best to provide support when the plant is young and actively growing. Secure the vines gently to the support as they grow.

Pruning: Prune Blue Plumbago to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. You can trim it back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Fertilizing: Blue Plumbago typically doesn't require heavy fertilization. You can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

In summary, the best place to plant Blue Plumbago is in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Proper care, including watering, pruning, and occasional fertilization, will help it thrive and produce its beautiful blue flowers.

Blue Plumbago is typically considered a perennial plant in regions with mild winters and frost-free conditions. It thrives as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where the winters are relatively warm and frost is rare. In these areas, Blue Plumbago can provide year-round interest, with its lovely blue flowers and evergreen foliage.

However, in colder climates where winter temperatures drop below its tolerance range, Blue Plumbago may not survive the winter and is often treated as an annual. In such regions, you can grow it as an annual bedding plant during the warm months or as a container plant that can be brought indoors when temperatures drop.

So, whether Blue Plumbago behaves as a perennial or an annual depends on the specific climate and winter conditions of your location.

Blue Plumbago thrives in warm, subtropical, and tropical climates. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where the winters are mild and frost is rare. In these regions, Blue Plumbago can be grown as a perennial, and it will continue to bloom throughout the year, providing beautiful blue flowers.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. While it can tolerate some drought once established, regular watering and occasional fertilization can promote healthy growth and more abundant flowering. In colder climates, Blue Plumbago can be grown as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

If you live in a region with a climate that is not within zones 9 to 11, you may need to provide winter protection or grow Blue Plumbago as an annual. In colder climates, it can also be grown as a beautiful container plant for the summer months.

Blue Plumbago is known to attract hummingbirds. The tubular-shaped flowers of Plumbago, which are typically blue in color, can be particularly appealing to hummingbirds. These nectar-feeding birds are drawn to flowers with tubular shapes because they can easily insert their long, specialized bills to access the nectar.

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your garden or yard, planting Plumbago can be a good choice, as it provides a nectar source that may entice these tiny and colorful birds to visit. Keep in mind that the availability of hummingbirds in your area may also influence whether or not they are attracted to your Plumbago plants. Additionally, providing a variety of nectar-rich flowers and maintaining a hummingbird-friendly environment can increase your chances of attracting these delightful birds to your garden.

To make your Plumbago bushy and encourage healthy growth, you can follow these steps:

Pruning: Pruning is a key practice to make Plumbago bushier. Prune your Plumbago regularly, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). Use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to trim the tips of the stems and remove leggy growth or dead branches. This will encourage the plant to branch out and produce new growth from the nodes along the stems.

Pinching: Pinching involves removing the tips of the growing stems with your fingers or pruning shears. This encourages branching and lateral growth. Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plant is actively growing, typically in the spring and early summer.

Fertilization: Providing your Plumbago with the right nutrients can promote bushier growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs. Apply it in the spring and, if necessary, again in mid-summer according to the package instructions. Proper nutrition will support healthy and vigorous growth.

Sunlight: Plumbago prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure your plant is getting enough sunlight to stimulate compact growth. If it's growing in too much shade, it may become leggy and less bushy.

Watering: Consistent and appropriate watering is essential. Plumbago prefers moist but well-draining soil. Water your plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and poor growth.

Soil Quality: Ensure your Plumbago is planted in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Good soil quality helps support healthy root development and overall plant vigor.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents weeds, all of which contribute to a healthier and bushier Plumbago.

Protection from Frost: If you're in a region with cold winters, protect your Plumbago from frost. Cold temperatures can damage the plant, so consider bringing it indoors or providing frost protection during the winter months.

By implementing these practices, you can encourage your Plumbago to develop a bushier and more compact growth habit, resulting in a fuller and more attractive appearance.

Yes, Plumbago can do well in containers if provided with the right care and growing conditions. Here are some tips for successfully growing Plumbago in containers:

Container: Choose a large container with good drainage. Plumbago has a spreading growth habit, so a wider pot is better than a deep one.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix with organic matter to ensure good drainage.

Sunlight: Plumbago thrives in full sun to partial shade. Place your container in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Containers may require more frequent watering than in-ground plants, especially during hot weather.

Fertilization: Feed your container-grown Plumbago with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season (spring through early fall). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Pruning: Prune Plumbago as needed to maintain its shape and size. You can also deadhead faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

Overwintering: Plumbago is sensitive to cold temperatures and may not survive frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, consider bringing the container indoors or providing protection during the winter months.

Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can affect Plumbago. Treat any infestations promptly.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow Plumbago in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful blue flowers and lush foliage on your patio, deck, or balcony.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Sustainable shipping, quality care

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.