How do you keep plumbago blooming?
For the best growth and an abundant blooming, add flower plant fertilizer or shrub fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer. Stop adding fertilizer as soon as your plumbago has stopped blooming.
Does plumbago come back every year?
This perennial shrub blooms all year and only ceases flowering during winters that are extremely cold within its growing range of USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. In USDA zone 8, where freezes and frosts are more likely, blue plumbago dies to the ground, but resprouts when the weather warms in spring.
Should you cut back plumbago?
Plumbago only requires pruning to control its size. Flowering is dependable without pruning and tends to cycle; the blooms appear less often in the hot, rainy summer, or cold winter. The 30% rule is an excellent place to start pruning; remove by hand only the branched needed to keep the plant inbounds.
How long do plumbago flowers last?
Cape Plumbago grows to a height of 3.0m, with a spread of 1.5m. It is fast growing, taking six months to one year to reach its mature size. Its flowers bloom from May to October. Requirements: Grows in full sun.
Does plumbago like sun or shade?
full sun
Because of its pest and disease resistance, how to care for plumbago is pretty basic. It blooms best in full sun but will tolerate some shade if you are willing to sacrifice some of the bloom. As with most plants, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but again, it isn’t fussy.
What is best fertilizer for plumbago?
Fertilizing Blue Plumbago
Any all-purpose and slow-release fertilizer works just fine. Apply twice a year, particularly during the growing season – which occurs most often in the early spring or summer.
Can plumbago grow in pots?
Although most gardener’s plant plumbago in the ground, their naturally rounded growth pattern also works well in large pots. Potted plumbago grows outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture growing zones 8b through 11.
Do you cut back plumbago for winter?
3. Prune plumbago more heavily during the winter once the plant stops blooming and becomes dormant. Cut back any old, tall, woody or diseased stems at the lateral joints and dispose of them. The plant will regrow during the following spring.
Is plumbago a good cut flower?
For a blue cutting garden, there is no better start than Plumbago, one of the true blue flowers for the area; the cultivar “Imperial Blue” has dark blue flowers and is slightly more compact. Whatever variety you choose, provide enough space, at least 4 feet by 4 feet, for this mounding shrub to grow.
Does plumbago bloom all summer?
It will grow as an evergreen shrub and makes an excellent foundation plant. It is beautiful when planted over a stone or wood retaining wall, allowing its branches to cascade over in a waterfall of foliage and unusual blue flowers—and it will bloom all year long.
Can you overwater plumbago?
Excess Water
Plumbago tolerates drought well, but too much water can cause this shrub to wilt and look near death, especially if drainage is poor. During dry weather, water in-ground plants once a week, soaking the soil slowly as you water, then let the area dry out before you water again.
How big does a plumbago get?
about 6 feet tall
Hardy in Zones 9 and 10, plumbago typically grows about 6 feet tall, making it a favorite foundation planting in the tropics. It mixes well with other shrubs in landscape beds and borders, and even thrives in large containers. Plumbago has also become a must-have plant for butterfly gardens.
What do you do with plumbago in the winter?
The ideal overwintering conditions are in greenhouses with temperatures from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep a plant going over the winter, whether you have a greenhouse or not, be very careful with watering. Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings, then give it a good soak.
Does plumbago need sun or shade?
This tender perennial grows well under full sun and is considered fast-growing, spanning to 5 ft. in both height and width. The plumbago ‘imperial blue’ also features deep sky blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Ideally, pruning may be done in the early spring to induce flowering from new growth.
Does plumbago do well in pots?
Why is my blue plumbago dying?
ANSWER: It sounds like your Plumbago plant is suffering chlorosis which is a yellowing of leaf tissue due to a lack of chlorophyll. Possible causes of chlorosis include poor drainage, damaged roots, compacted roots, high alkalinity, and nutrient deficiencies in the plant.
Do Plumbagos need a lot of water?
The plant does not require a lot of water. Allow the area to become dry before the next watering session. Plumbagos are drought tolerant plants, they do not need watering more than twice a week during the warmer summer months.