There are thousands of plants in the world. It is hard to identify which plant belongs to which family. Today, we will talk about the plumbago plant . The scientific name of this is Plumbago auriculata. It is also known as Cape plumbago or sky flower. It is a shrub and it can grow 6 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) tall with a spread of 8 to 10 feet (2.5-3 m.).
This plant is native of South Africa. You can also find it Texas and Florida in the United States. They found in growing year. This shrub has branches that resemble vines. It is best for blue phlox-like flowers and this thing produce for extended periods of time
How to Grow a Plumbago Plant
If you are living in USDA plant hardiness zone of 9-11, it will be easy to care. You should select the size before deciding to grow. Plumbago needs plenty of room to grow. It is an evergreen shrub.
If you plant it over a stone or wood retaining wall, It will look very beautiful. If you place the branches to cascade over in a waterfall of foliage and blue flowers, it will your place most beautiful.
This plant blooms best in full sun and it can bear some shade if you are ready to sacrifice some of the bloom.
This plant needs fertile, well-drained soil. Do not forget that it is fussy. This plant needs slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, clay, sand, or loam. If you trim too often or too much it can damage your shrub.
How to Care for a Plumbago in Cooler Climates
If you have learned how to care and grow the plumbago plant in summer, it is time to learn how to grow this in cool climate. May be, many gardeners are thinking how to grow a plumbago plant or where to grow plumbago if you live outside zones 9-11. If you are living in zone 7 or 8, it is best for you.
You should use a good potting medium with a neutral pH. It will help leaves to grow. You will have to water it regularly and also fertilize it each spring. It can grow two to three feet (61-91 cm.) tall with a four-foot (1 m.) spread.
You will have to put this at that place where frost and breeze do not come. You can put in the container and so on. You will also have to blanket the area with heavy mulch in first frost.
Plumbago plant pests and diseases
This plant can be affected by chilli thrips. This insect can damage the leaves and also cause the leaves to look curled and stunted
The disease of this plant is cotton cushion scale and mites. It is occasionally a problem. It does not remain long-term.
Is plumbago toxic to humans?
Plumbago plant can cause an upset stomach, irritate eyes, and irritate skin. This plant is harmful to the skin. It has bark, foliage, fruit, pollen, roots, sap, seed capsules and seeds. All these things are toxic for humans.
What are the benefits of plumbago plant?
Plumbago is also known as chitrak. It is a useful Indian medicinal plant. The root of the plant is credited with potential therapeutic properties in which including anti-atherogenic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective properties.
What is Blue Plumbago used for?
This blue plumbago is used for many purposes, some of them are
- Powdered roots and leaves are snuffed to relieve headaches.
- Antibacterial and anti-fungal.
- Powdered roots are rubbed into scarifications.
- Lotion to treat greasy skin, refine large pores, and clean perspiration and grime.
