Plumbago auriculata

Plumbago

Native Range: South Africa

Sun/Shade: Blooms more in full sun but is attractive in part-shade. Flowers: Light blue flower clusters from late spring intermittently through fall.

Landscape Use: Makes a good shrub substitute in warmer months and looks nice under the light shade of Live Oak trees or areas partially shaded by tall house walls.  Makes a nice tall cascading groundcover or individual specimen. Does not look good balled or squared. Seems to look best with part-shade.

Container Use: Trails nicely out of a large pot, but let dry out some before rewatering and also fertilize.

Size: About three feet tall spreading out from new growth at the base. Three feet tall and wide in about two years.

Type: Perennial that returns faithfully after freezing weather in spring.

Deer Resistance: Not Deer resistant but is such a reliable plant that Deer browsing will not destroy it.

Butterflies: Butterflies love it. 
Drought Tolerance: Very drought tolerant but looks best with regular watering.

Soil: Not particular about soil as long as it drains well and does not remain constantly wet. Does well in rocky soil or even better with soil enhancement.

Water: Smart Watering Principle=Water well when first planted then allow to dry slightly, without wilting, then water deeply again, etc. Easy Watering Principle= Water every day the first week; every second day the second week; every third day the third week; every fourth day the fourth week; every fifth day the fifth week. A soaking rainfall should last for about two weeks worth of watering. Do not keep constantly wet.

Fertilizer: Looks even better with regular fertilization.

Maintenance Tips: Cit off frozen stems to give it a fresh start in spring.  Do not give up on the plant or think that it has been weakened by cold; it takes a while to get growing in spring but will make progress with warmth and time.

Rating: Rates high as a landscape plant.