Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Cape leadwort, Plumbago auriculata, is a vigorous, evergreen climber typically use for covering large conservatory walls. Although tender, it can be grown outside in summer, trained up a trellis or obelisk. Strictly speaking a shrub but best grown as a climber, it bears masses of intense blue, unscented flowers all summer and into autumn.
For best results grow Plumbago auriculata in a large pot of multi-purpose compost in the conservatory or greenhouse. If growing outside, cut back to ground level and bring back undercover in autumn. It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
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Plumbago and wildlife
Plumbago has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Plumbago poisonous?
Plumbago causes an upset stomach, irritates eyes, irritates skin, is harmful if ingested and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its bark, foliage, fruit, pollen, roots, sap, seed capsules and seeds are toxic.
