Plumbago Hedge

Plumbago is a perennial plant that can be left to grow as a sprawling shrub, allowed to climb nearby trees, pergolas, walls and trellises, or it can be brought into line with a regular haircut. It spreads by suckers so it is a great choice for an informal flowering hedge around 1.5-2 metres high.

Does plumbago like sun or shade?

Plumbago (also commonly known as Leadwort) is an easy to grow groundcover well suited for average, medium and well-drained soils. Ceratostigma plumbaginoides is suited for full sun or part shade, but will perform best with afternoon shade in hot climates.

Is plumbago fast growing?

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. Flowering will be reduced in partial shade.

How do you grow a plumbago hedge?

Plant plumbago anytime of the year. It generally looks its best when planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Both species require regular watering until established but are moderately drought tolerant afterwards. Plumbago grows quickly but excess growth can be pruned off at any point throughout the year.

How far apart should you plant plumbago for a hedge?

Allow four to six feet between plants in a mass planting so that the natural cascading, fountain shape will develop. Plumbago also looks attractive as a specimen if located in a low ground cover. The variety 'Alba' has white flowers. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or division.

Are plumbago low maintenance?

We always recommend low-maintenance plants, and Plumbago fits the bill. Drought and heat resistant, they don't require special watering and do well in full sun. They do need some occasional pruning, but don't over-do it, or you'll sacrifice blooms later.

Does plumbago lose its leaves in winter?

Plumbago will typically bloom spring through fall but can often bloom through mild winters. In colder winter seasons, plants will drop their leaves or even die down to the ground, but re-emerge from the roots the following spring.

How do you winterize plumbago?

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.

Are plumbago roots invasive?

To winter over in cooler climates, provide a light winter mulch. Plant it in rocky areas in full sun. Space plants 10 to 16 inches apart when you plant. The plant has an aggressive root system and can spread freely, however is not considered invasive.

Does plumbago attract hummingbirds?

Note: Plumbago attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, but is not intended for either human or animal consumption.

Does plumbago stay green in winter?

In addition, its 2-inch light-green oblong leaves are evergreen and stay the same color in winter, providing an attractive, year-round frame for its fragrant, phlox-like clusters of 1-inch-diameter, sky-blue flowers.

How long does plumbago live?

A low maintenance, high-reward choice that can live for 40 years or more, here are some other desirable traits of the 'Dark Blue' Plumbago Plant: It has two-inch green leaves and masses of attractive, five-petaled blue flowers, which bloom year-round in warm climates.

Does plumbago spread?

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, commonly called plumbago or leadwort, is a wiry, mat-forming perennial which spreads by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover.

When should you plant plumbago?

Favor planting plumbago in spring in a place with a lot of sun. When not in this season, simply avoid high temperatures to plant your plumbago. A mix of soil mix and garden soil is needed. Frequent watering after planting is required.

Does plumbago need a trellis?

The plumbago plant is actually a bush. It can grow to be 10 feet in height and width. Therefore, if raising it in its natural form, the plant will need room to sprawl out. However, the plumbago plant can be raised as ground cover, to climb a trellis, in a container, or flow downward from a hanging basket.

Does plumbago stay green all year?

Planting Plumbago Ground Cover Or Beds In areas where there is no severe freezing temperatures or frost, the plant remains evergreen throughout the year.

Does plumbago bloom all summer?

Plumbago shrubs need plenty of room. 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 plant hedges too close together?

Whatever the form or function of your hedge, and whether you choose evergreen or deciduous plants, spacing out those plants correctly for your needs is vital. Too close and you will have an overgrown mess that will quickly thin out at the bottom – besides costing you more than it should to plant.

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.

Will blue plumbago survive a freeze?

Blue Plumbago, Plumbago auriculata, typically freezes to the ground in this area and returns in the spring. The plant should live for many years. However, it tends to get sparse and leggy in areas where it does not freeze back to the ground each winter.