Plumbago auriculata f. alba
white Cape leadwort
A lax evergreen shrub with slender stems bearing light green, oblanceolate leaves and terminal racemes of pure white flowers in late summer and autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | White | Green | ||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Plumbaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Skin irritant - Harmful if eaten, except ripe fruit. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Plumbago can be annuals, perennials or scrambling evergreen shrubs, with simple leaves and short terminal racemes of salver-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in warmer climes in most fertile soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13 to 18°C in spring or take semi-hardwood cuttings in midsummer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
Pruning group 12 in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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