Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

— · Texas-Grown

Plumbago, Blue

$4.00


Mature Plant Size: 2-3’x3-4′

Blue Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) is a sprawling, semi-woody perennial covered nearly non-stop from spring through frost in clusters of sky-blue, phlox-like blooms — the classic form of plumbago, and one of the most reliable blue-flowering shrubs for Austin’s long, hot summer.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Blue Plumbago transplants are grown for vigorous, well-branched growth and extended bloom suited to Austin borders, banks, and containers.

3 in stock

Care Instructions
Watering

Moderate water needs; more floriferous with regular water but tolerates dry spells once established

Fertilizing

Light feeding in spring with balanced organic fertilizer encourages more bloom

Pruning & Maintenance

Shear lightly through the season to maintain shape and encourage rebloom
Cut back hard in late winter, as it blooms on new growth

Common Issues

Generally pest-free; occasional aphids on tender new growth
May look ragged after a hard freeze until cut back

Marginally cold-hardy in Austin (root-hardy to around 20 F); often dies back to the ground in a hard freeze and regrows vigorously from the roots the following spring
One of the most reliable true-blue-flowering shrubs for Central Texas heat

Seasonal Notes
Spring

Cut back hard before new growth emerges; vigorous regrowth follows quickly

Summer

Peak, near-continuous bloom through the heat

Fall

Continues blooming until first frost

Winter

Typically dies back to the ground in a hard freeze; mulch roots for extra protection, especially in the first winter

Best Time to Plant in Austin

Spring through fall, avoiding the height of summer heat and hard freezes
Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F

Sun Requirements

Full sun to part shade
Minimum 6 hours daily

Spacing

3-4 feet apart

Soil

Well-draining soil; tolerates a range of soil types
pH 6.0-7.5

Watering After Planting

Water deeply at transplanting
Keep evenly moist until established, then reduce

  • Lantana
  • Esperanza
  • Salvia
  • Duranta

Plumbago is generally considered mildly toxic to:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Horses

The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and ingestion in quantity may cause mild digestive upset. Generally considered low-toxicity.

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