This suckering shrub has upright arching main stems with slender branchlets that form a low rounded to scrambling habit. It has pale green oblong leaves and the sky-blue trumpet-shaped flowers appear in a cluster from spring to early winter.   

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Plumbago auriculata is naturally found in South Africa from the southern to the Eastern Cape and extending into KawZulu-Natal growing in scrubland and thickets. 

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in a well-drained evenly moist fertile sandy to light clay soil that is acidic tending neutral. Once established it tolerates light frost, salt laden winds and drought.

Cape Leadwort is a hardy reliable shrub that is grown for its attractive flowers and rounded habit. It is planted in small gardens along borders or used as a spill-over above retaining walls or on embankments. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 2 to 3 years and is long lived. It is also grown in planter boxes or can be espaliered against a wall or trimmed to form a hedge. ID 46

Plumbago (plum-BAH-gō) auriculata (ow-rik-ew-LAH-ta)

‘Plumbago’: from Latin plumbum - lead (refers to the flower colour of some species); ‘auriculata’: with an ear (refers to the stipule at the base of the leaf).

Plumbaginaceae (plum-baj-i-NAY-see-ee)
Leadwort, Sea Lavender and Thrift Family