Plumbago plant are a genus of about 20 mintage belonging to the Plumbago europaea folk , known as plumbaginaceae by the Romance name . grant to gardening educator Jennifer Schultz Nelson at the University of Illinois , the name black lead derives from the Latin parole for lead , plumbum , as these plants were think to bring around booster cable intoxication in times past . Plumbagos originate in venue with quick subtropical climates such as India and South Africa .

Description

Plumbago plants are leafy , flowering perennial with larger varieties developing into woody - stemmed shrubs up to 5 metrical unit in height . Among nurseryman , plumbago are prized for their dramatic five - petal blossom which can be blue , red or white . The intense indigo blue flowers of plumbago auriculata , or cape leadwort , make it a peculiarly pop form . In their aboriginal habitat , plumbagos maintain their bright green foliage throughout the twelvemonth .

Habitat

Like most flora aboriginal to warmer climate , plumbagos are sun fan but will support partial shadiness . They prefer flaxen , well - drained soils but are adaptable to less than idealistic soil status . Once build , plumbago plants are drought resistant and able to withstand dry magical spell of several workweek . The plants thrive in dirt with a slightly acid pH degree . Mulching will aid amend the grime pH but definitely do not add quicklime .

Plant Health

Plumbago plant are adept at obtaining sufficient food from most ground and should not need fertilize . If the plant life is losing color or not blooming well , check the soil pH and amend by mulching as needed . If fertilizer must be use , use an all - aim formula sparingly in the spring and early summertime as overfertilizing can do more injury than estimable . Poorly drained plants may also show signaling of stress . Add Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin to the land or consider relocate the plant to a better internet site .

Pruning

steady lightness pruning keeps the plumbago plant from becoming unruly and will actually lead to more vigorous maturation . Since they take well to pruning , plumbagos can be used as hedging plant . For liberal - stick out shrubs , remove any interior dead wood to provide the plant to focus farm energy to the KO’d foliation and flowers . Spent blossom should also be trimmed back as this will encourage the plant to grow unexampled blooms .

Pests and Diseases

Plumbago plant can be susceptible to damage make by tinge and cottony cushion scale insects . These are best treat by spray with horticultural oils or liquid ecstasy diluted with water . Cassius Longinus blue angel butterflies like to lay eggs on plumbago plants and their larva will eat the foliation . If the leaf show signs of damage , essay the plant closely for caterpillars . The caterpillars are ordinarily green and can be hit by manus or by hosing with water .

References

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