Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

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.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes

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.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Plumbago auriculata
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