Plumbago
Plumbago auriculata
Also known as: Cape Leadwort · Imperial Blue Plumbago · Blue Plumbago · Cape Plumbago
The cool blue flower that SWFL landscapes can't get anywhere else — drought tough and butterfly-proven.
Southwest Florida
Growing Plumbago in SWFL
Plumbago auriculata is one of the few genuinely blue-flowering shrubs that thrives in Southwest Florida's climate. The Imperial Blue cultivar produces clusters of sky-blue flowers nearly year-round, with the heaviest bloom in cooler months. It is highly drought tolerant once established, thrives in SWFL heat, and serves as a butterfly host plant for the Cassius Blue and other species. Works as a sprawling specimen, an informal hedge, or a mass planting on slopes and berms.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun — best bloom with 6+ hours |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Low once established — drought tolerant |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 9a — root hardy after frost |
| Mature Height | 3–6ft (sprawling to 10ft without pruning) |
| Mature Spread | 4–8ft |
| Growth Rate | Moderate-fast |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbago blooms heavily in spring and fall, with moderate bloom continuing through summer and winter in Zone 10a. The heaviest bloom flush coincides with cooler temperatures. Regular light pruning after bloom cycles encourages continuous flowering.
Yes — Plumbago auriculata is a documented host plant for the Cassius Blue butterfly (Leptotes cassius) and attracts multiple additional butterfly species as a nectar source. It is a good choice for native-friendly and pollinator-focused garden designs.
Plumbago can be maintained as an informal flowering hedge at 3–5 feet with regular trimming. It is not the right choice for a formal, tight hedge — Clusia or Podocarpus are better for that purpose. Plumbago excels as a flowing, wildlife-friendly border or massed on slopes.
Plumbago is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.