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.
Plumbago auriculata 'Alba' is a white-flowered form, bearing clusters of pure white blooms in summer and autumn.
For best results grow Plumbago auriculata 'Alba' 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. Plumbago auriculata 'Alba' has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Take cuttings
yes
yes
yes
Prune
yes
yes
Plumbago ‘Alba’ and wildlife
Plumbago ‘Alba’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Plumbago ‘Alba’ poisonous?
Plumbago ‘Alba’ 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.
