Plumbago
In mild Mediterranean gardens it's a tough outdoor shrub; in Britain a conservatory or patio pot plant that winters frost-free.
Care
Full sun.
Medium in summer, sparse in winter; drought-tolerant once established in the ground.
Well-drained soil or loam-based compost.
Flowers on the current year's shoots: cut back hard in late winter, shortening last year's growth to a few buds. Tie in to a support if grown as a climber.
A balanced or high-potash feed every two weeks from spring to late summer in pots.
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- FebruaryCut back hard before growth begins. how ›
- MayMove pots outdoors after the last frost. how ›
- OctoberBring pots under cover before frost; keep cool and nearly dry. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryCut back hard before growth begins. how ›
- AprilMove pots outdoors after the last frost. how ›
- OctoberBring pots under cover before frost; keep cool and nearly dry. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Speckled leaves, fine webbing under glass.
What to do. Increase humidity; wipe the leaves.
How to spot it. Tiny white insects under leaves.
What to do. Yellow sticky traps.
How to spot it. Seed capsules cling to clothes and hair.
What to do. Deadhead if they bother you.
Questions
Plumbago: is it hardy?
H2: Tender. It survives down to 1 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes — the usual way in cool climates.
Plumbago: when do you prune it?
Flowers on the current year's shoots: cut back hard in late winter, shortening last year's growth to a few buds. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in February.
Plumbago: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in June–October.
When do you feed it?
A balanced or high-potash feed every two weeks from spring to late summer in pots. Feeding months, UK: April–August.